Self-discipline of exercise

Heidi Wright advocates the importance of exercising not only after breast cancer treatment but as a lifelong habit, and how self-discipline plays a vital role.

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Many of us go through life without hearing most of what is being said and only some of what is being said. We really need to hear with the intent of listening. Hear and listen, listen and digest, digest and incorporate. This relates to your health too. 

We hear from all of professionals (medical or mental health) that we need to exercise, but do we listen? Do we actually digest and put our bodies to the task? More than often not. 

Self-discipline

Self-discipline is a challenging habit to achieve, and is even more difficult if you are trying to deal with complications or life changes with post-surgical breast cancer. This is not only with regards to immediately after surgery but rather a lifelong commitment. 

Hear what I’m saying. You need to exercise whether it be Pilates, swimming, dancing, yoga or walking. You choose what suits you best and then make it become a healthy habit for your long-term health benefits. 

Circulation

Exercise benefits simple life functions, such as circulation which transports oxygen, nutrients, hormones and waste products. Circulation also controls temperature, infection and assists in prevention of blood loss with clotting factors. Pretty important. 

Organ and muscle function, whether involuntary or voluntary, is also vital for good health. These functions rely on circulation and these functions must be maintained, especially with age. 

Respiration is another vital or completely necessary function for life. It works with the circulatory system to ensure enough oxygen reaches all the body tissue and cells (internal respiration). Good respiration enables a high energy level to assist you in your exercise programme along with proper diet or nutrition. 

A stress-free nervous system is also of great importance. Stress causes your immune system to suffer. The body moves by the breath, energy and balanced muscle control and you can only accomplish this with proper circulation, respiration and a healthy immune system. The body also moves by well-maintained bone and joint health. This again will be met with an exercise programme suited for you and your particular needs.

Setting goals

Perhaps think of setting goals for yourself both physically and mentally as you mentally need to be fit for the physical activities. Your goals should be attainable and shouldn’t be a short project, rather a long-lasting one. Sometimes it takes months or years to achieve a goal so set and accept your pace.

Hormone blockers 

The use of tamoxifen or any other hormone blocker can possibly set you back with various side effects. Don’t let this stop you, speak to your doctor about any side effects you have and then forge ahead to develop your health programme to promote better muscle tone, bone density and weight control. 

Quality over quantity

Then you need to look at the quality of the exercises rather than the quantity. Much as it’s in life, you ideally want to strive for a quality that is sustainable and suitable to your individual lifestyle or even financial capabilities. In essence, if you are going to attend a Pilates class whether private or in a group, select a reputable teacher with knowledge in rehabilitation. Choose your health instructor as you would choose your doctor. 

If you choose to swim, ensure that your strokes not only strengthen you but also give you a better range of movement. The same would go for yoga or dancing.

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