Why It’s Important to Move Your Body Everyday

I get it; trust me, I do. Most days, the last thing I want to do is get out of bed and start moving my body. I am usually sore in every joint and bone in my whole body and so exhausted that even a trip to the bathroom is too much for me.

There could be many sources of pain

Many things can cause body pain and even exhaustion, making you want to stay in bed all day. Pain comes with age, medications, cancer, and overdoing it with chores, exercise, and even work. Most medications prescribed for treating advanced breast cancer cause exhaustion. It's fatigue that most people can not even comprehend.

Advanced breast cancer can take a toll

It is not only cancer and medications that can cause our bodies to feel sore and exhausted. For example, I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia before I was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. So, my body already had pain before cancer invaded almost every bone. I am sure most of you can relate to that.

Trying a medication for pain

So what do you do? The first thing you should do is tell your doctor about how much pain you're feeling and how exhausted you feel daily. How does your doctor respond?

Maybe you are given another prescription for pain medication to "help" you feel better. You try it, and, surprise, you feel even more tired. Or, maybe the pain is a little better, but what about the side effects of this new medication? It could lead you back to square one. So, what can you do?

MOVE YOUR BODY!

Moving your body can be beneficial

No matter how much you do not want to hear it, you must get up and move all those stiff joints and bones. When your body is inactive for an extended period, your joints and muscles relax and tighten.

This is okay for a short time, but you must move those muscles and joints, or they will get more painful. I understand that sometimes getting up and walking around is impossible, but even hanging your legs off the bed and lifting them up and down is good for you.

Ideas for getting you moving

Taking a walk is an amazing movement for your body if you have the ability. It benefits even if it is just a walk to the kitchen, mailbox, or yard, even if it is only for 5 minutes. Here are some tips to get your body moving.

Yoga

Yoga has many different levels based on ability. You can even do yoga in bed! If you can access YouTube, search "yoga in bed." You will see numerous videos with yoga movements that you can do right from your bed.

Walking

Take a walk outside in your yard, and if you can, walk around outside your house a few times. If you cannot do that, walk outside, take a few deep breaths, and maybe pick a flower. Literally stop and smell the roses.

Stretching

Stretch, stretch, and stretch some more. Sit in a sturdy chair, the edge of the bed, or even the couch, and stretch your legs in front of you. Try to reach your hands down toward your feet. Any amount is okay.

Invite a buddy

Ask for assistance if available. Have your spouse, child, or anybody around to help you get moving. My husband always encourages me to take a walk with him. Sometimes, I have to use a wheelchair for part of the walk, which is okay.

Move at your own pace

Do what your body can handle; do not attempt it if it hurts. If you try some activities and cannot do them, that's okay. Do not be hard on yourself or your body. A simple movement like wiggling your feet and toes or stretching your fingers is sufficient!

How often are you moving your body?