Cancer treatment is a rigorous process in which patients are forced to go through several changes both physically and mentally.

Leading an active life during this period, can result in extremely positive outcomes not only for physical, but also for psychological conditions of an individual.

Now you might be thinking of how to stay active during such a stressful situation…Right ? Well, Karetrip is here to help you.

This blog aims to explain some of the challenges likely to be faced by a cancer patient and how they can maintain an active lifestyle during their treatment period.

This blog is intended to serve as a reliable reference source to cope with this hard period in one’s life.

Benefits of Staying Active during Cancer Treatment

Physical Benefits

• Improved Cardiovascular Health: Physical exercise also entails flexibility, the strengthening of the heart muscles as well as increased circulation, which will be of advantage especially if you are going through treatment sessions that may affect your heart.
• Reduced Fatigue: Contrary to expectations, exercise is able to lessen any overall sense of tiredness that so many cancer patients may suffer from.
• Enhanced Mobility and Flexibility: Even though the activities mentioned may add some stress on the joints, it is crucial to remain as active as possible in order to avoid stiffness and eventual pain.
• Weight Management: It enables regulating body weight, and this is very important in relation to the management of cancer.

Mental and Emotional Benefits

• Stress Reduction: Any kind of exercise increases the release of endorphins in the body which are medical, have mood-boosting qualities which can reduce stress and anxiety.

• Improved Mood: Thus, a certain amount of physical activity is capable of helping deal with depressive disorders and generally enhance the mood of a person.

• Enhanced Quality of Life: Physical activity generally contributes to improvement of sleep quality, enhanced energy, and overall well being.

• Social Interaction: Social support can be received from group activities or classes so that the patient feels he or she is not alone.

The Types of Activities to be Considered

The form and frequency of physical activities which are useful will depend on the general health conditions of the patient, type of cancer and the treatment that is prescribed. Some of them are:

1. Low-Impact Aerobic Exercise It is a form of exercise that is not hard on the body, yet benefits the heart most as it is walking, swimming or cycling among others. These activities can be done depending on how much energy you have and you can add or minimize depending on how you are feeling at the moment.

2. Strength Training Activities such as lifting weights or using bands and dumbbells can be of assistance in this by ensuring that muscles as well as bones are well developed and not impacted on by some of the curative cancers.

The earliest things to do are to use little equipment before adding the amount as the body responds to the workout focusing on all the muscle groups in the body.

3.Flexibility and Balance Exercises

Yoga and tai chi are good for flexibility and balance as well as weight-bearing aerobic exercises. These practices also include the use of breathing techniques that may assist in reducing stress and anxiety.

4.Stretching

Flexing or extending the muscles and joints is sometimes all that is needed to avoid joint stiffness affecting an individual’s range of motion. Flexibility exercises can be carried out on a daily basis and does not call for equipment.

5. Recreational Activities

Activities that are fun and healthy for instance dancing, working in the garden, or more so, playing with pets are some of the ways that one can get physical activity

Creating a Personalized Exercise Plan

It is very important to have a schedule that will fit your needs because exercise should not cause more harm than support the body. Here are steps to help you develop a plan that works for you

1.Consult Your Healthcare Team

An important person to advise prior to the beginning of any form of physical exercise is the oncologist or any other medical personnel treating the patient.

As for disadvantages, they can assist in giving recommendations concerning which forms of activity are safe depending on your medical condition and the agreed treatment plan.

2. Set Realistic Goals

Goals should be realistic given the current status of the fitness of the patient as well as his or her treatment regime.

Begin with simple movements or tasks which you can comfortably do for a short duration and as your body becomes used to it, extend the duration and/or the intensity of the exercises.

3. Listen to Your Body

Consider signals that your body gives in response to the exercising experience. For example, it is necessary to know what amount of physical activity is healthy and when the person simply exhausts himself.

If you get a headache, start feeling dizzy or tired, take a break from the exercise you are engaged in.

4. Stay Hydrated and Nourished

Drinking water and taking meals are very crucial for the supply of energy in the body and enhanced physical exercise. Try to take a lot of water and ensure that you take foods that are rich in a lot of nutrients.

5. Incorporate Rest and Recovery

Repose forms a fundamental segment of any fitness regimen most particularly when the person is suffering from cancer. It is important that on days which you do not exercise, that you also take your rest and ensure that you take enough sleep.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Healthy exercising during cancer treatment is also not without its difficulties. Here are some common obstacles and strategies to overcome them

1. Fatigue

Cancer related fatigue is recognized as one of the most frequently reported side effects of cancer treatment. An example of exercise adjustment involves exercising in small quantities more frequently than in large quantities to avoid the feeling of tiredness.

Light exercise such as stretching or even walking may be easier to perform than a number of other physically demanding tasks in the case of little energy.

2. Pain and Discomfort

It could be a painful area from a surgery, treatment like radiation therapy, or any other cause that complicates exercise. It is essential now to engage in low impact exercises that do not worsen the condition of the person experiencing the pain.

Other forms of supportive equipment that can also help include mats that are cushioned and resistance bands.

3. Nausea

Nausea the patient experiences can be a major challenge towards the goal of physical activity. The light physical activity which could include things like practicing yoga or simple stretching can be easier to endure.

It’s also recommended that one exercises in good air circulation and that one drinks a lot of water.

4. Emotional Distress

Chemotherapy and other forms of cancer treatment can be stressful thus causing anxiety or depression. Physical activity is one of the ways of enhancing positive moods.

Other exercises include moving around and interacting with other people either in a group class or simply going for a walk with a friend to add another source of comfort.

5. Scheduling

It can be very difficult to stick to an exercise schedule with a busy treatment plan. Organise your daily schedule in relation to the treatment sessions and select hours of the day in which you experience the most energy.

It means even if one is unable to do long duration exercise, any amount of exercise in the form of at least 10 minutes of activity is helpful.