Time for Cancer Caregivers to Get Moving

Being a caregiver for someone with cancer is incredibly rewarding, but can be draining at the same time. Sometimes it feels like there isn’t even enough time to eat or brush your teeth, let alone exercise. But taking time for yourself – taking time to be active – might be just what you need to add more time and energy to your day.

We don’t really need another study telling us exercise is beneficial. But researchers took a step that made me close my mouth, as the words “I don’t have time” came to my lips. Female spouses of patients that were beginning radiation therapy for cancer were asked about their level of physical activity. They were then divided into 2 groups – inactive and active. Compared with the active caregivers, the inactive caregivers:

• Had more difficulty falling asleep
• Slept less at night and needed more sleep during the day
• Had a lower attention span

Getting exercise as a caregiver can result in better sleep, and in doing so, open up more minutes in your day – minutes you can spend refreshed with your loved one.

Further Reading:

Tips for Caring for Yourself as a Caregiver

Photo: istockphoto.com

_Source:

Willette-Murphy, K. et al. Relationship between sleep and physical activity in female family caregivers at the initiation of patients’ radiation therapy. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing. 2009. 38(3):367-74.