Tania’s story
“What’s funny is the fact that this is even in my vocabulary now: ‘I’m going for a run in the morning.’”
Tania wasn’t very active until she was diagnosed with cancer. Her depression after chemo made it even more difficult to get moving on her not-so-good days. But she’s found that getting up on her feet, even if it’s just dancing around the kitchen, can help in more ways than one. Tania went from being fairly inactive to walking to the shops more often and sometimes even going for an occasional run – something she never thought she’d do before.
How Tania gets moving
Before her diagnosis, Tania wasn’t very active at all, but since starting to move more, she’s found many ways to work activity into her life. Tania does things that she finds enjoyable, first and foremost. This can mean getting active with her daughter by dancing around the house or going on walks with friends as a way to catch up. By making being active a social affair, she’s found it all the more enjoyable.
Despite a challenging time with her mental health, Tania has managed to keep active since we met her, thanks to the support of her family. She continues to dance around the house, saying that getting moving “isn’t a magic wand, but it really does help” with her mood. She has also made a friend through getting active and, with her encouragement and similar sense of humour, is aiming to walk further and see new places.
Walking and running
Whether you walk at a gentle pace, pick up speed and jog, or go further by running, set your own rhythm and get move in a way that suits you.
Mental Health Conditions
Without the right care, treatment and support, we know how hard it can be for people living with a mental health condition. This includes a variety of conditions, from anxiety or depression, to severe mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Physical activity and movement can be a great way to manage your mental and physical health.
Cancer
A cancer diagnosis can make things feel very uncertain and living with a long-term condition after your diagnosis is difficult. Being active before, during and after treatment can improve your outlook and help you manage your symptoms. Because it doesn’t matter whether it’s something small and new, or just that little bit more of something you already do. It all makes a difference.
Find activities you enjoy
Being active doesn’t have to involve traditional ways of moving. You can find something that you genuinely enjoy doing and have tonnes of fun doing it. It’s easier to stay motivated when you move in a way that you enjoy.