Moving your body for just a few minutes a day may have many benefits for not only your body, but your mind too. Depending on your level of strength, you may have the energy to go for a jog around the neighbourhood. Other days you may feel more comfortable going for a leisurely walk or doing some light stretching. Before starting any kind of exercise, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor first and listen to your body so you don’t overexert yourself.
Different Types of Movement
No matter how much strength and endurance you have, there are a number of exercises you could try. Low-intensity regimens may also work if you’re not feeling great but still want to get in some movement.
Breathing Techniques
If you are having difficulty breathing, special breathing techniques can help. For example, try taking long, slow breaths in through your nose, and then exhaling through your mouth, which may help to reduce stress and anxiety.
Diaphragmatic breathing is a different technique that could help strengthen the diaphragm and abdominal muscles. It’s a form of deep breathing that allows more air to move in and out of the lungs without tiring out the chest muscles. Start by sitting or standing up straight and placing one hand on your abdomen. Purse your lips, then slowly inhale through your nose while gently pushing your abdomen out. This helps to increase lung capacity. Next, exhale slowly through pursed lips while also pushing your abdomen inwards and upward. This helps to empty the lungs completely. Practicing this exercise several times a day will not only help strengthen your abdominal muscles, but it can help with shortness of breath, too.
Stretching
Stretching is useful because it can increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the muscles, improve muscle elasticity, and help the body to repair itself.
Daily upper body stretching exercises can help expand the chest cavity and increase lung capacity. This allows for freer movement of both the lungs and diaphragm, encouraging deeper breathing which can help with shortness of breath.
Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic exercise is known to improve heart health and oxygen capacity. Activities such as walking, dancing or cycling are a great way to spend time with loved ones while also getting your heart rate up.
The best part about aerobic exercises is that they’re convenient – you can do them when you want, wherever you want. It’s a good idea to start off with something small, like walking to the mailbox and back. Then, try to build your way up to something that requires a bit more effort, like going for a walk.
Strength Training
Cancer, as well as some cancer treatments, cause fatigue that leads to decreased physical activity – and that can lead to loss of muscle mass. Practicing some sort of strength training can make it possible to return to work and take care of daily responsibilities sooner.