Exercise and Cancer: How to find the motivation
Living with cancer can be physically and emotionally exhausting, but incorporating exercise into your routine, even in small ways, can offer significant benefits. Regular movement can improve energy levels, reduce treatment side effects, and boost your wellbeing. It also helps to maintain muscle strength, flexibility, and overall physical health, supporting your body through treatments.
Exercise is also beneficial for care givers. Caring for someone with cancer takes strength and resilience. It’s essential not to neglect your own well-being. Regular exercise can have a positive impact on care givers’ physical and mental health too.
Benefits of Exercise
💪 Improved Energy: Light to moderate activity can reduce fatigue, which may seem counterintuitive but works by improving circulation and oxygen flow.
😊 Better Mood: Physical activity releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood boosters, helping to combat feelings of depression or anxiety.
🏋️♂️ Enhanced Strength and Mobility: Regular exercise helps maintain muscle mass, flexibility, and balance, making daily tasks easier to manage.
🛡️ Support for Treatment: Exercise can also improve your body’s ability to tolerate treatments, reduce side effects, and aid in faster recovery.
😴 Better sleep. Struggling to sleep is a very normal side effect of cancer, but regular exercise can be a secret weapon in the battle for a good night’s sleep. As well as tiring you out, physical activity helps to reduce stress and anxiety – 2 common culprits when it comes to sleepless nights.
Getting Motivated When You Don’t Feel Great
Fatigue, side effects and stress can make it harder to find the motivation to move, even though we know how beneficial exercise can be for our well-being. Taking small steps and being compassionate with yourself will really help.
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
💪 Start Small: On days when you’re feeling low on energy, even a short walk or gentle stretching can help. Every little bit counts and helps your body stay strong.
💖 Listen to Your Body: Some days will be better than others. It’s important to be kind to yourself and adjust your activity based on how you’re feeling. Rest when you need to.
👥 Lean on Support: Sometimes having a friend, family member, or support group to exercise with can make all the difference. You don’t have to do it alone. We have walking, yoga and tripudio groups every week here at the Centre.
🎯 Set Simple Goals: Focus on small, achievable goals. A 5-minute stretch, a short walk, or some light yoga are all worthwhile. It’s not about how much or how intensely you exercise—it’s about moving your body in ways that make you feel good.
Remember, any movement is better than none, and you don’t have to push yourself to extremes. On low-energy days, even a short walk around the garden or some seated exercises can make a difference.
Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine, to ensure it’s right for you.
Staying active while living with cancer is about finding what works for you, at your own pace. Each step, no matter how small, is a step towards feeling stronger and more in control of your journey.
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. We have support, resources, and guidance. We are here to support you and your loved ones.
Take a moment today to prioritise your health and well-being. You matter. 💙