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For the fourth and final week of our January Healthy Challenge, we are suggesting committing to 7 days of movement.
As the days get shorter, the weather gets chillier, and our former routines remain restricted, it can feel increasingly difficult to find the motivation to exercise. Before the challenges of working from home and limited access to fitness facilities, sticking to a workout routine was already hard enough. However, with the added stress of navigating our lives through this new social climate and working to maintain financial stability, staying physically active is even more important now than it was previously.
The evidence supporting the benefits of exercise in physical and mental well-being is substantial. To put it simply, many studies have shown it can ease symptoms of depression, stress, and anxiety. On the subject of cancer, it has shown to help prevent and reduce recurrence of several types of cancer, as well as aid in maintaining healthy energy levels, mood and sleep for those undergoing treatment.
This week we are recommending moving your body and exercising every day, for a minimum of 20 minutes, where you are elevating your heart rate and breathing.
Since exercising isn’t always easy, here are 5 tips on where to start:
Most importantly, during these 7 days, don’t beat yourself up if your effort varies. Some days, you may bring 100%, while other days may look more like 50% - that’s ok. The idea is to promote movement, whatever that may be and however that may look. Every little bit of movement counts!
Author: Nadine Kexel, CCNM Integrative Cancer Centre intern