This article originally appeared on the MetaCancer Foundation website
“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson
Exercise is, of course, good for you. It helps build muscle, organ strength, and overall well-being. It can flood your system with endorphins which will truly make you feel better. On days that you are up for it, get outside and go for a run, bike ride, swim (water aerobics) or hike. It doesn’t matter how slow you go, just go.
With more energy, it’s really helpful to try yoga or tai chi exercises. If you’re constricted to a house or hospital, but can get out of bed, then you can practice walking – to the bathroom, around the room, or up and down stairs. See how many times you can do so each day.
What can you do if you’re sitting in a chair or lying in bed much of the day? Wiggle your toes, stretch your fingers, and bend your feet back and forth often. Practice taking deeper breaths when you can. Move your arms, shoulders, eyebrows, etc. Tense and then relax each muscle in your body, one at a time. Set your own pace and see if you can do better next time! Make a game of it and remember the slow tortoise! Here are resources to help you get started.
Articles:
- “About Jane Tomlinson,” BBC
- “Cancer? More Exercise, Not Less, May Be Best,” Kate Stinchfield
- “Exercise as Cancer Treatment,” Elizabeth Quinn
- “Exercise Recommended for Cancer Patients,” Charlene Laino
- “Guidelines Urge Exercise for Cancer Patients, Survivors,” American College of Sports Medicine
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