One of the best ways to reduce stress, increase your energy levels and elevate your mood is to move your body. A few examples include:
- walking (around your house, neighborhood, office, etc.)
- dancing
- working in the garden
- cleaning up around the house
After working as a Personal Trainer, I realized that many people either don’t like the word exercise, or they associate it with another dirty word, gym. So for them, it feels like an obligation – a should versus a want to.
As a cancer patient, survivor or caregiver, you have to find what works best for you; find what type of movement brings you joy and makes you feel energized.
After my mom finished her chemo treatment, she was exhausted – physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. So we co-created her own personalized wellness/self-care plan that focused on what she wanted and needed. It included:
- short 5-10 minute walks around the house
- lying down on her yoga mat and doing nothing for 5-10 minutes
- leg exercises and/or climbing stairs to help re-strengthen her legs
After three weeks, she noticed a difference in her energy levels, and it only took a few minutes each day.
You matter. Your health matters. And your well-being matters.
Here’s my request: carve out 5 to10 minutes for yourself each day so that you can begin to feel good again, take back control and rediscover a new hope.
There is hope … even after cancer. Sometimes we all just need someone to help us get there. You can do it!
