Exercise and Stress Management
Written by Nicole Riske, an undergraduate student at UNCW and a Public Health Intern at Going Beyond the Pink.
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.
Wondering if you can workout while going through cancer treatment?
Exercise is one of the best things you can do to stay healthy after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Research has shown that women who exercise before treatment have improved quality of life and fewer side effects.
Exercise is safe and recommended for cancer patients before, during, and after cancer treatment. Physical activity may help you with side effects of treatment. Without moving your body often you could lose body function, muscle weakness, and reduced range of motion.
Exercise can:
Reduce anxiety
Improve depression
Reduce treatment-related fatigue
Improve quality of life before and after treatment
Prevent or improve lymphoedema
Maintain strengthen and balance
Could decrease your recovery time
Prevent muscle loss
Improve sleep
Improve your bone health
Decrease your risk of osteoporosis
Reduce the risk of co-existing conditions or cancers
When exercising through cancer treatment:
Build up your level of activity slowly- this will help avoid injury
Exercise in a safe environment- try to avoid large gyms where germs spread easily if your immune system has weakened
A suggestion: workout outside or in your home
Listen to your body- adjust your workout length of time or level of intensity
Exercise related to stress:
Exercise can be a powerful tool for cancer patients to manage stress. Cancer diagnosis and treatment can be extremely stressful, leading to physical, emotional, and mental fatigue. Exercise can help combat these feelings of stress by releasing endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood boosters. Exercise has also been shown to reduce anxiety and depression, which are common mental health issues experienced by cancer patients. By regularly participating in exercise, cancer patients can improve their overall well-being and reduce their stress levels.
Another way that exercise can help cancer patients manage stress is by providing a sense of control and empowerment. Cancer treatment can often make patients feel like they have lost control over their bodies and their lives. However, by engaging in regular exercise, cancer patients can take back some control and regain a sense of empowerment. Additionally, exercise can help cancer patients maintain a sense of normalcy and routine during a time that can be incredibly disruptive to their daily lives. By incorporating exercise into their routine, cancer patients can establish a healthy coping mechanism for managing stress and improve their overall quality of life.
