Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, with millions of women worldwide receiving a diagnosis each year. While the diagnosis itself can be overwhelming, the recovery process can also be challenging, both physically and mentally. In addition to medical treatments and therapies, daily movement can play a critical role in helping women recover from breast cancer. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of daily movement for breast cancer recovery, including the benefits of different types of movement, tips for overcoming obstacles, and more.

The Benefits of Daily Movement

Daily movement, or exercise, can have numerous benefits for women recovering from breast cancer. Firstly, physical activity can improve cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of heart disease and other chronic health conditions that can arise from cancer treatment. Additionally, daily movement can increase flexibility, reduce stiffness, and improve overall physical functioning. This can be particularly important for breast cancer survivors who may have undergone surgery or radiation therapy that can affect their range of motion.

Furthermore, regular physical activity can also reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Studies have shown that women who engage in regular physical activity have a lower risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to those who are inactive. In fact, the American Cancer Society recommends that cancer survivors engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week to improve their overall health and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

In addition to the physical benefits, daily movement can also have significant psychological benefits for women recovering from breast cancer. For example, regular physical activity can reduce anxiety and depression, improve mood, and enhance overall quality of life. This can be especially important for breast cancer survivors who may experience anxiety and depression as a result of their diagnosis or treatment.

Types of Daily Movement

There are many different types of daily movement that can be beneficial for women recovering from breast cancer. One type of movement that is particularly beneficial is low-impact exercise, such as walking, swimming, or cycling. These types of exercises are gentle on the joints and can help improve cardiovascular health, increase flexibility, and reduce stiffness.

Yoga can also be beneficial for breast cancer survivors. Yoga can help improve flexibility, reduce stress, and improve overall physical functioning. There are many different types of yoga, so it’s important to find a class that is appropriate for your level of fitness and physical ability.

Pilates is another form of exercise that can be beneficial for breast cancer survivors. Pilates focuses on core strength, stability, and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for women who may have undergone surgery or radiation therapy that affects their core muscles.

It’s important to consult with a doctor or physical therapist before starting any exercise program, especially if you have undergone surgery or radiation therapy. They can help you determine which types of exercises are appropriate for your level of fitness and physical ability.

Overcoming Obstacles

While daily movement can be incredibly beneficial for women recovering from breast cancer, it can also be challenging to maintain a regular exercise routine. Some common obstacles that may arise include fatigue, lack of motivation, and physical limitations.

To overcome these obstacles, it’s important to set realistic goals and find a supportive community. Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase your level of activity as you feel comfortable. It can also be helpful to find a friend or family member to exercise with or join a support group for breast cancer survivors.

In addition, making movement a part of your daily routine can help you stay motivated and committed to your exercise program. For example, you can take a walk every day after dinner or do a yoga routine before bed. By making exercise a regular part of your routine, you’ll be more likely to stick with it and reap the benefits of daily movement.

In conclusion, daily movement can be incredibly beneficial for women recovering from breast cancer. Whether it’s low-impact exercise, yoga, or Pilates, regular physical activity can improve cardiovascular health, increase flexibility, reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, and improve overall quality of life. By overcoming obstacles and making exercise a part of your daily routine, you can reap the benefits of daily movement and support your recovery journey. Remember to consult with a doctor or physical therapist before starting any exercise program, and always listen to your body to avoid injury.  If you’d like help with incorporating movement into your recovery journey or would like to learn more, please reach out.