Charlotte finds it beneficial to separate her steps from the workplace, as it gives her the space and time to process her day
Our Step into Spring Challenge is now at the halfway point! As highlighted in my blog last week, I’m already feeling the benefits of the challenge and embracing the change to my daily habits.
Rock of Gibraltar – Charlotte’s inspiration
As we get further into the challenge I’m trying to think creatively about how to meet my daily steps. This week I’ve found a motivating challenge at my local gym – a step climber where you can climb the height of a series of world landmarks. This weekend was the Rock of Gibraltar.
Having made an effort last week to embrace looking up and around me rather than down at my phone, I was struck by the irony of climbing the height of an outdoor landmark while indoors and looking at a screen.
View of the Rock of Gibraltar – Charlotte’s inspiration during her step challenge
Juggling to meet step goals
However, as we all know, it can sometimes be a challenge to juggle everything we need to achieve in a day, so I’m embracing the variety of methods I’m using to meet my step goals. And who knows, if I climb these landmarks for real one day, I can think back to my training in the local gym!
Using walking to de-stress
Previously I had tried walking at a standing desk and I’m continuing to enjoy topping up my step count using this method. However, a benefit I’ve found in separating my steps from the workplace is that it allows me the space and time to process my day and have some time to myself before starting other tasks. This is helping me to keep my stress levels in check.
Breathing exercise
April is Stress Awareness Month, so it’s a good time to reflect on how we can reduce our stress through exercise and other methods when we are less able to be active, such as this useful breathing exercise.
At Cancer Support UK we are very aware that a cancer diagnosis doesn’t exist in isolation and that the everyday challenges of life still continue alongside, many of which have the potential to increase stress. These things may be separate to a diagnosis, such as caring responsibilities, childcare, other health conditions or workplace challenges. Or they may be directly related to a cancer experience, such as managing ongoing side effects or the additional financial challenges faced during and after treatment.
Signposting support
Having the right combination of support in place is so important and is why we created a signposting resource of the many services provided by charities across the UK on a range of issues.
As I continue to take these steps for Step into Spring, I use the opportunity to reflect on the work we are doing at Cancer Support UK and how the money raised for this challenge will make such a difference to those living with and beyond cancer. I look forward to continuing to share this journey with you in next week’s blog.
Please support the Step Into Spring challenge by donating via Cancer Support UK’s Just Giving page.
A reminder that if you need support with your emotional wellbeing post cancer treatment then we have a range of services to support you.
