Most of us know the common benefits of exercise such as reduced risk of
heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and colon cancer and that
it helps control weight, build healthy bones and muscles, but when
you're living with a chronic illness incorporating exercise into your
daily life can offer numerous benefits that can be found nowhere else.
Many individuals living with chronic illness struggle with depression,
anger and anxiety associated with the limits, losses and challenges
imposed on them by their illness. Exercise is excellent for
relieving depression, anger and anxiety. It can help you work
through these feelings and provide you with an outlet to be released.
The body's natural release of endorphins, which occurs when you
exercise provides wonderful emotional uplifts and can also give you
relief from pain.
Exercise can also improve your energy levels, help you sleep better and
more deeply and help bowel movements to be more regular and
healthy. It can help you manage stress better and boost your
immune system.
By following a regular exercise routine this gives the chronically ill
something they can control, when so many factors in their lives are out
of our control and this can improve mood, boost confidence and
self-esteem. You'll feel better about yourself for
accomplishing a goal.
Most experts agree that 30 minutes at least three times a day and every
day if possible of moderate intensity physical activity can provide us
with the optimal benefits of exercise. But when living with
chronic illness it may be necessary to modify your time and days
according to what your body tells you.
Start out slow and pick a less strenuous activity and increase your
frequency and endurance over time. Pick an exercise you enjoy so
that you will stick with it. It must be something you enjoy or
you won’t stay with it. You can begin with things as simple
as walking up and down and your stairs a few times, parking your car
further away from your destination, taking the steps instead of the
elevator, or raking the leaves. Stand up and stretch your arms
and legs and do some deep breathing. Take a walk around your yard
and then your street and eventually your block.
By incorporating these types of exercises into your life they are
easier to maintain and stay motivated with than going to a gym or some
other structured regimen.
It is my personal opinion that brisk walking is a supreme form of
exercise. It is not too strenuous. You can adjust your pace
and timing as needed. You can walk in a variety of places to give
some different scenery daily. If you can exercise outside then
you have the added benefit of nourishing your soul with all of the
beauty that nature has to offer and the benefit of
sunlight. These aspects all enhance the benefits of
exercise.
Even if five minutes a day is all you are capable of you will still
benefit and feel better about yourself. Over time you can
increase slowly. Listen to what your body tells you. If
after exercise you feel worse or symptoms are exacerbated then that is
telling you to slow down and cut back on intensity and endurance.
Let your body guide you. Don’t push it too hard.
For more great alternative
health prescriptions for self care you may want to check out Cynthia's
book
Finding Life Fulfillment when Living with
Chronic Illness.
Exercise is good for our body, mind and soul. When living with
chronic illness it is essential to incorporate some kind of exercise
into your daily life. Take advantage of the benefits of exercise
to the fullest.
