At Its best, exercise is refreshing. It can make us feel more alive, calmer, happier, and more energized. That’s a nice combination!

I recently took a one-week vacation on a Maine lake. Swimming and paddling a boat were highlighted activities. At the end of the week, I had re-set my activity level–and my happiness quotient. I felt more energized than in months!

I have been re-habbing from a knee injury and an ACL replacement surgery. Not too much good to say about this injury. It was painful and progress was incremental and slow. My fitness level dropped, as I was on crutches not once but twice, before and after surgery.

Coming back from an injury or from a multi-faceted cancer challenge, you may find that you have limitations in how much you can exercise. You may not get the same uplifted feeling from being active. You may be fatigued and unable to overcome that. How can you be motivated to exercise within new limits?

The trick, if there is one, seems to be in adjusting your expectations. Less may be more. Expect less, and you may find more satisfaction in what you can do. Just do what you can for today.

Perhaps you can change your chosen exercise activities so that they are easier or less intense. Remember, your immune system gets a boost from even a short, slow walk. Perhaps you can enlist a physical therapist to help you make a good tailored plan that’s appropriate for your limitations and abilities.

Then, remind yourself that you are looking ahead to better days!