Anxious	energy	needs	a	release	or	it	will	continue	to	run	amok.	Adding
regular	exercise	into	your	life	will	pay	off.	Thirty	minutes	of	aerobic	exercise
five	days	a	week	will	lessen	your	stress,	increase	your	self-esteem,	improve
your	sleep,	and	improve	your	physical	and	emotional	functioning.	Feeling
good	about	yourself	means	you’re	more	likely	to	cope	well	because	you
believe	in	your	ability	to	do	so.
Exercise	also	increases	endorphins,	the	body’s	natural	painkiller,	and
decreases	the	stress	hormone	cortisol.	It’s	worth	it!	And	if	30	minutes	feels
like	too	much	too	quickly,	keep	in	mind	that	research	is	showing	that	even	a
20-minute	vigorous	walk	improves	cognitive	functioning	and	mood.
Make	a	realistic	exercise	goal.	Pick	something	you	enjoy	doing	so	you	will
continue	to	do	it.	For	example,	walk	every	day	for	15	to	20	minutes.	Then
after	two	weeks	increase	the	amount	of	time	or	increase	to	a	light	jog.	Be	sure
to	check	with	your	medical	doctor	that	exercise	is	safe	for	your	physical
condition.
Write	down	now	what	your	exercise	goal	is—no	goal	is	too	small;	any
physical	movement	is	better	than	none.	However,	each	time	you	exercise,	your