Chapter 4 - Emotional Health and Physical Activity
If you're living with or beyond cancer, you might be wondering how to support your emotional health during this challenging experience. One powerful tool that's often overlooked is physical activity. On this article we'll explore how staying active can boost your emotional well-being and quality of life.
How can physical activity support emotional wellbeing after a cancer diagnosis?
1. Enhancing your mood and reducing stress
A cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally taxing, often leading to feelings of anxiety, low mood, and depression. Regular physical activity can help balance these feelings by stimulating the release of endorphins – your body's natural mood elevators. Even gentle exercises like walking or swimming can help lift negative feelings and provide a much-needed emotional boost.
Exercise is a great stress buster. It can lower levels of stress hormones in your body and provide a healthy outlet for tension and worry. During treatment, there can be a feeling of loss of control. Physical activity can help you to regain this and to feel more in control of your response to treatment and boost your energy levels.
2. Helping to manage fatigue
Cancer-related fatigue is a common and often debilitating side-effect of cancer treatment. Counterintuitively, regular physical activity can help reduce fatigue. Gentle, consistent exercise can increase energy levels, improve sleep quality, and enhance an overall sense of wellbeing.
3. Improving body image and self-esteem
Cancer and its treatment can significantly impact your body image and self-esteem. Physical activity can help you regain strength, improve flexibility, and enhance overall physical function. As your body can do more and more, your confidence and self-image can improve as well.
4. Providing social connection and support
Joining exercise groups or classes specifically for those living with or beyond cancer can provide valuable social support. Connecting with others who understand your experience can reduce feelings of isolation and provide a sense of community.
5. Improving cognitive function and 'brain fog'
Many people who go through cancer treatment of all types experience challenging cognitive effects, often referred to as 'brain fog,' which can affect memory and concentration. Regular physical activity has been shown to improve brain function and may help to reduce these effects, leading to improved mental clarity and emotional wellbeing.
6. Reducing anxiety and concerns about recurrence
Fear of cancer returning (recurrence) is a common source of anxiety for those living with or beyond cancer. While it's natural to have these fears, regular physical activity can help manage this anxiety. Exercise not only provides a healthy distraction but also gives a sense of actively contributing to your long-term health, which can be emotionally reassuring.
7. Developing emotional regulation and mindfulness
Engaging in physical activity, especially mindful movement practices like yoga or tai chi, can help develop better emotional regulation skills. These practices encourage present-moment awareness, which can be particularly beneficial when dealing with uncertainty.
It's important to remember that everyone's experience of cancer is unique, and so is their relationship with exercise. Always consult your healthcare team before starting a new exercise programme. They can help you work out what types and intensity of physical activity are safe and beneficial for you.