Move to Thrive

Regular exercise can be a powerful tool for both mind and body—especially when you’re navigating Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) or the challenges of cancer treatment. Below, you’ll find a mix of mental and physical benefits, along with some “why it matters” insights to help you stay motivated.

Physical Benefits

1. Improved Energy Levels
   • Why it matters: Fatigue is a common symptom in FND and during chemotherapy or radiation. Gentle, regular movement—like short walks or light yoga—helps boost mitochondrial function, so you feel more energized throughout the day.
2. Muscle Strength & Flexibility
   • Why it matters: Maintaining muscle tone and joint range of motion reduces pain, supports posture, and helps you stay independent—even when treatment side effects or neurological symptoms try to slow you down.
3. Enhanced Balance & Coordination
   • Why it matters: FND can cause tremors, weakness, or gait disturbances. Balance exercises (e.g., heel-to-toe walking, single-leg stands) retrain neural pathways and lower your risk of falls.
4. Better Cardiovascular Health
   • Why it matters: Light cardio—such as seated cycling, swimming, or gentle dancing—promotes circulation. Improved blood flow supports healing tissues, clears metabolic waste, and helps regulate blood pressure.

Mental & Emotional Benefits

1. Reduced Anxiety & Depression
   • Why it matters: Exercise triggers the release of endorphins and serotonin—natural mood elevators that counteract the “brain fog” or low mood often linked to chronic illness or cancer treatment.
2. Improved Cognitive Function
   • Why it matters: FND can affect attention, memory, or processing speed. Activities like tai chi or mindful movement combine physical challenge with mental focus, sharpening your executive functioning.
3. Stress Management
   • Why it matters: Mind–body practices (e.g., yoga, Pilates,) train you to synchronize breath with movement, activating the relaxation response and lowering stress hormones (cortisol).
4. Enhanced Self-Efficacy
   • Why it matters: Setting—and meeting—small exercise goals builds confidence. That sense of accomplishment carries over into coping with treatment schedules, symptom flares, or neurological episodes.

How To Get Started

• Consult Your Care Team: Always check with your physician or physical therapist to tailor an exercise plan that respects your current abilities and medical status.
• Start Small: Even 5 minutes of gentle movement counts. Gradually increase duration and intensity as you feel stronger.
• Pair With Rest: Balance activity with adequate rest or mindfulness breaks to avoid overtaxing your system.
• Listen to Your Body: On “off” days, focus on stretching or breathing exercises rather than high-intensity workouts.

Remember, movement doesn’t have to mean a marathon—it can be as simple as a brief walk around your home, a seated leg stretch, or a few minutes of mindful breathing. These small steps add up, nurturing both your body and your mind as you navigate FND or cancer treatment. You’ve got this!