When cancer is diagnosed and treated, it is not really uncommon to experience physical discomfort, emotional stress, fatigue, and an overall feeling of unwellness. These may make even easy tasks feel hard. As a result, leading an active lifestyle might seem unachievable or even impossible. But if you try to exercise during cancer treatment, these will not only improve your physical health but also your mental wellness.
Gentle, regular activity has been shown to enhance the overall quality of life if you are undergoing cancer therapy. They can lessen the adverse effects of therapy and make you feel stronger. The goal is to identify safe, controllable ways to move your body that promote healing.
This reading helps you learn about the importance of physical activity during cancer treatment. You’ll also learn how to modify exercises to fit your needs and get useful advice for moving with confidence and safety.
Why Staying Active Matters During Cancer Treatment
Even mild mobility during treatment has advantages. And, they can provide you with:
- Boosts energy: One of the most commonly seen side effects of therapy is weakness or lack of energy, which may be combated with little exercise.
- Mood support: Exercise lowers stress, anxiety, and depression by releasing endorphins.
- Enhances strength and flexibility: Exercise keeps your muscles and joints functioning properly, which can be lost after extended periods of inactivity.
- Improves circulation: This promotes a quicker recovery and less edema.
- Enhances sleep: Engaging in physical exercise may facilitate falling and staying asleep.
- Promotes general health: Being active can help the body better accept therapy and reduce the likelihood of side effects like blood clots.
Talk to Your Care Team First
Always get advice from your physician, nurse, or physical therapist before starting or modifying your exercise regimen during your cancer care. They can make exclusive recommendations for you depending on:
- The type of cancer and the cancer care plan (chemo, radiation, immunotherapy, and surgery)
- Present adverse effects (e.g., exhaustion, lymphedema, neuropathy, low blood counts, weakness, low appetite, etc.)
- Pre-existing conditions (diabetes, arthritis, heart disease)
- Your level of activity right now
Your healthcare team can assist you in finding the best exercise during cancer treatment to adapt to the fact that you will have more energy on some days than others.
Here are Some Practical Tips for Staying Active
- Try to start with simply five to ten minutes of light activity each day.
- Divide your regular activities into manageable chunks, such as three minutes of walking, followed by a rest period, and then more walking.
- Make sure you stop and take a break if you're feeling tired, lightheaded, or in discomfort.
Know that exercise should be viewed as flexible rather than strict, and it is highly acceptable if you do less on some days and more on others.
Walking
- One of the safest and most efficient ways to exercise while receiving cancer treatment or even after treatment is to walk.
- Even if it's simply around the house, start at your own speed.
- After some days, you can increase time or distance gradually (as acceptable).
- You can use walking poles or go for a stroll with a friend or caregi
Try Gentle Stretching or Yoga
- Leisurely walks keep your muscles and circulation flowing.
- Stretching is one of the most effective workouts, which helps ease mental tension, increase flexibility, and lower stiffness during treatment and recovery.
- Sitting down allows you to perform basic neck stretches, ankle circles, and shoulder rolls.
- Gentle yoga, also referred to as chair yoga or restorative yoga, has a strong focus on breathing and relaxation.
- Avoid straining postures at all times, especially after surgery.
Strengthening Exercises
During cancer therapy, muscle strength generally decreases, but keeping it up might help you with your everyday duties.
- You may use small hand weights, soup cans, or resistance bands.
- Exercises that emphasize functionality include wall push-ups, sitting-to-stands from a chair, and raising arms above.
- Aim for one or two workouts each week, and feel free to modify them as necessary.
- Small efforts are important; strength training doesn't have to be rigorous (avoid vigorous activities).
Breathing and Relaxation Exercises
Mild breathing difficulties and stress are common side effects of cancer therapy, while careful breathing can be beneficial for your recovery and strength.
- As you sit comfortably, take long, calm breaths that cause your tummy to expand.
- After cancer treatment sessions or two to three minutes before bed, practice.
- Breathe and do some mild stretching for even greater relaxation.
Try to Make Everyday Activities Count
Physical activity is not limited to exercise; daily tasks like folding clothes, gardening, and strolling to the kitchen and balcony all promote movement.
- In this case, gentle exercise can be substituted for light chores.
- You can play with kids or dogs for a happy, organic activity.
- You could think of simple movements as a part of your day rather than just an exercise.
Tips to Keep Yourself Motivated
- Keep a journal: Monitor your progress by recording how far you've walked or how long you've stretched in your journal.
- Remind Yourself: Remind yourself to work out by setting up phone alarms or sticky notes.
- Enjoy activities you like: Discover the joy of movement by engaging in activities you like, such as dancing, gardening, or stretching while listening to music.
When You Should Stop and Rest
It's very important that you understand your boundaries, whether undergoing cancer treatment or recovering. Give up working out and contact your physician if you experience:
- Lightheadedness or fainting
- Unusual heartbeat or chest discomfort
- Breathlessness that is severe
- Unusual bruises or bleeding
- You feel simply tired
- Noticing signs like a high fever
Activity is vital, but so is rest; thus, permit yourself to go more slowly.
Changing Activities to Fit Your Therapy
- Chemotherapy: Try short, flexible sessions as fatigue and nausea may limit activities.
- Radiation therapy: Light movement can relieve stiffness while shielding delicate skin.
- Surgery: Following surgery, make sure you follow your surgeon's instructions and prioritize mobility exercises.
You must keep in mind that each person's path is different, and what is good for one individual may not serve another.
More importantly, maintaining an active lifestyle while undergoing cancer treatment isn't about reaching fitness goals or pushing yourself. These activities are about supporting your well-being, finding safe and gentle ways to exercise, and considering your health needs.
So, during this period, take a few short walks, stretch a little, take deep breaths, and respect your body's strength. Even throughout therapy, you may enhance your energy, mood, and quality of life by striking the correct balance between rest and workouts. Get more advice from the leading cancer specialist in Siliguri, Dr. Saptarshi Ghosh, or near you on lifestyle and exercise.
Comments (0)
