Tips to get more active and stay active
Journal or keep a diary – keep track of your goals in a daily journal. It could be as simple as writing a couple of words or drawing a star to indicate something has been achieved, or you could be more detailed including things like recording the amount, frequency, and quality of the areas you are tracking.
Create visual or audible reminders – put notes or pictures in prominent places, or set reminders on your computer or phone.
Apps on your smartphone – there are many popular phone apps that are designed to help people achieve their goals. There are a list of useful apps at the end of BCNA’s Exercise and breast cancer booklet download a copy here.
Wearable health and fitness tracking devices – these can monitor areas including your daily steps, how long you are sedentary for, your sleep quality and more. This can be as technical as a smart watch or as simple as a pedometer.
Maree O’Connor a Physiotherapist in Melbourne has put extensive development and evaluation into creating the Lymphactive Get Moving pack. These packs have been designed to get people moving and empower them to take steps in the right direction in achieving their goals. Packs include a pedometer, journal and stress ball. As an added benefit during the month of October $10 from each purchase will be donated to BCNA. For more information about the Get Moving pack visit http://lymphactive.com.au/.
Involve a buddy – whether it be a friend, co-worker, or family member, someone else on your journey will keep you motivated and accountable.
Join a club – it may be easier and more convenient for some to slot into the timetable of a sports club or gym close to home or work.
Train for a competition - community events and competitions are carried out throughout the year, and can be used to set targets in regards to personal fitness. Some people are very motivated by exercising with others. Sign up to a community walking or running event (you don’t have to run, lots of people walk the route). Community events and competitions are carried out throughout the year, and can be used to set targets in regards to personal fitness. You can even fundraise online to support BCNA https://www.bcna.org.au/news-events/participate-in-a-fun-run/ .
Be creative – repeating the same exercises and recipes over and over can get a little boring, but you may be able to keep yourself motivated by shaking up your exercise routine and meal plan.
Don’t push yourself to hard or feel guilty - if you push yourself too hard day after day you will get tired and lose motivation very quickly. Your body needs time to rest and recover – there’s no need to feel guilty if you need a rest day or two.
Reward yourself - if you achieve your goal no matter how big or small remember to reward yourself!
