Gentle Movement for Healing: Yoga and Beyond
Movement is medicine — but during and after cancer treatment, the kind of movement matters. Gentle, mindful exercise can reduce fatigue, ease anxiety, improve sleep, and help you reconnect with your body in a positive way. You do not need to run a marathon. Sometimes, the most healing thing you can do is stretch.
Why Yoga Works
Yoga combines gentle physical movement with breathwork and mindfulness — three things that are incredibly beneficial during recovery. Studies have shown that yoga can help reduce treatment-related fatigue, lower cortisol levels, and improve quality of life for breast cancer survivors. Many cancer centers now offer yoga classes specifically designed for patients.
Starting Small
You do not need any special equipment or experience to begin. Start with five minutes of gentle stretching in the morning. Try a chair yoga video designed for cancer recovery. Take a slow walk around your neighborhood and focus on your breathing. The goal is not intensity — it is presence. Being in your body, moving with intention, and treating yourself with care.
Yoga taught me that my body was not my enemy. It was my partner in healing.
Always consult your healthcare team before starting any exercise program, especially if you have had recent surgery or are currently in treatment. They can help you find the right level of activity for where you are right now.
