Brief Intense Exercise Beats Relaxation for Quick Panic Relief, Study Finds
When a panic attack strikes, a short burst of intense exercise may provide faster and more effective relief than traditional relaxation techniques, according to new research.
A study published in the journal Depression and Anxiety found that participants who engaged in brief, high-intensity physical activity during the early stages of a panic attack experienced significantly quicker reduction in symptoms compared to those who used breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation.
The research involved adults with panic disorder who were instructed to either perform a short bout of vigorous exercise (such as jumping jacks, burpees, or running in place for 2–5 minutes) or practise standard relaxation methods when they felt a panic attack beginning. Those in the exercise group repor...