Yoga may be a particularly beneficial form of exercise for anxiety.
One 2015 review investigated the effects of yoga on nervous system function and mood.
Across the 25 studies, the review found yoga decreased heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone involved in the fight-or-flight fear response. Having too much cortisol in the bloodstream can exacerbate anxiety.
Yoga leads to a decrease in symptoms of depression and anxiety. It also reduces levels of molecules called cytokines in the blood. The immune system releases cytokines in response to stress.
Chronically high cytokine levels can cause long-term inflammation and other negative health effects.
Music may activate reward systems in the brain that increase feelings of pleasure and alleviate stress and anxiety.
One review concludedTrusted Source that symptoms of anxiety improve while people are listening to music. However, it is unclear whether the effects last longer than the activity.
A 2016 study found that music preference was the most important factor in reducing stress levels. This suggests that listening to a favorite song or music genre may be an effective short-term remedy for stress.