Exercise: as a sedative?

I’ve been exercising regularly since 1993, and it’s helped me in more ways than I can count—physically, of course, but even more so emotionally. During some of the most emotionally challenging times in my life, exercise has been my anchor. It not only kept me calm but helped me cope in ways I never thought possible. It became my natural version of Valium or Xanax!

That truth became even clearer when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The anxiety was overwhelming at first—but walking quickly became my greatest source of peace. A simple 3 to 5 mile walk would calm my nerves in a way nothing else could. I’d start out anxious, but by the time I was finished, I felt grounded and in control again. The two weeks I waited for surgery were filled with uncertainty and stress, but walking and regular movement made that time much more manageable.

Exercise didn’t just help emotionally—it made a huge difference in my recovery. Because I was physically strong, I bounced back after surgery without even one day of pain! While exercise won’t prevent illness, it absolutely helps your body recover more quickly and with greater resilience. I truly experienced its benefits on a whole new level during that time.

So the next time you feel overwhelmed or anxious, lace up your sneakers and head out for a walk. You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel by the time you return. And beyond the emotional boost, you’ll also be strengthening your body—preparing it to better handle anything life throws at you. Your immune system gets stronger, and your overall health improves. Just try it and see for yourself!