Gentle Outdoor Activities for Post-Mastectomy Recovery
Recovery from breast cancer surgery doesn’t just mean resting all day for weeks on end. In fact, after the first couple of weeks or so, you might start to feel uncomfortable if you spend all your time cooped up inside. It makes sense to enjoy plenty of time in a comfy chair, cozying up with a soft blanket, a cup of tea, and your favorite shows or books, but that time is only comfortable when it’s optional. If your bedroom or living room starts to feel confining, it’s time to get away for a while.
Spending time outside is a great way to improve your mood and support your overall well-being as you recover from a mastectomy or lumpectomy. Plus, getting out during the day expends more of your energy, making it easier to settle in and unwind once you’re relaxing indoors again. Of course, you have to be careful about where you go and what you do to keep yourself safe and follow your doctor’s orders. If you’re looking for some ideas, here are our favorite gentle outdoor activities for post-mastectomy recovery.
Fresh Air Walks
Walking is one of the gentlest yet most effective exercises you can do. You’ll want to keep it short, especially earlier on in your recovery, but even that little bit of activity is great for boosting blood flow.
It’s not just about the physical activity, though. Fresh air and sunshine can be the perfect balm after weeks spent resting inside—as long as you’re practicing proper sun safety, of course. The time you spend outside is also a perfect opportunity for some mindfulness, some daydreaming, or maybe just some time spent listening to your favorite podcast.
Don’t want to walk alone? Invite a friend or make it a family outing. This is also a great time to bring furry friends along, though you might want to let someone else hold the leash, especially for bigger or more excitable pups.
Picnics, Patio Dinners, and Front Porch Coffee
Eating outside just hits different. It turns even a quick, ordinary meal into a more enjoyable experience. Outdoor meals are the perfect way to break up your routine and do something different, which can be a lifesaver when you feel like your entire recovery is spent doing the same thing day in and day out. You can pack a picnic basket and enjoy an afternoon of hanging out at your favorite park. Or, for something simpler, make a point of stepping outside to listen to the birds while you sip your morning tea or coffee.
Outdoor Movie Nights
Just like outdoor dining, an outdoor movie night completely changes the experience of watching your favorite movies and shows. When the weather is nice, set up a projector and some cozy outdoor lights, bring some comfy camping chairs and blankets, and enjoy the perfect movie theater experience right there in your backyard.
Creative Time
If you’re experiencing cabin fever or just looking for some inspiration for your art, taking your creative hobbies outside is perfect. Photography, journaling, sketching, and painting are all great ways to flex your creativity wherever you are. Bring your camera to capture some memories on a nature walk, sit with a sketchbook on the side of a trail, or try a change of scenery with your journaling.
Sitting outside with your favorite creative hobby helps you really absorb the moment around you. Whether you’re trying to capture the beauty of nature or use it as a calm backdrop for some internal reflection, these hobbies act as a vessel for relaxation and mindfulness. Don’t worry about creating a masterpiece or achieving life-changing inner peace. The most important thing is that you’re doing something that makes you happy.
Time by the Water
Doctors might not prescribe trips to the sea for your health anymore, but there can still be something soothing about spending time by the water. Whether it’s a sparkling coastline or a quiet pond, sitting by the waterfront is perfect if you want a change of scenery. You can hang out with friends or curl up on your own with a good book for some peace and quiet. If fishing is your thing, it can be a relaxing way to spend a few hours outside.
Just remember to always talk to your healthcare team before any strenuous activity. Make sure you get your doctor’s okay before getting into the water, too—you don’t want to risk an infection or harm your dressing after surgery.
Open Air Concerts and Other Outdoor Events
When summer arrives, plenty of cities host outdoor events for anyone to attend. Summer music series are always a hit, letting you experience different concerts throughout the season. You might also find food trucks and other small business booths to explore during the event.
It’s not just concerts, though. There are also fairs, festivals, firework shows, theater in the park, and other great celebrations to experience in your community. Check your city’s schedule and pay attention to local arts groups and other organizations to see what’s happening near you.
Farmers’ Market Visits
Another great way to connect with your community is by visiting your local farmers’ market. This is the perfect way to spend some time outside on a weekend morning. Plus, you never know what you’ll find there.
Stock up for the week with healthy, locally sourced produce, try homemade jams or salsas, treat yourself to some fresh baked goods, or explore crafts, clothing, decor, and other fun products from people in your community. Whether you’re shopping for something specific or just want to go and wander around while meeting new people, it’s always a fun time.
Enjoy the Outdoors Safely
Before you start any gentle outdoor activities during your post-mastectomy recovery, make sure you talk to your doctor. Work with your healthcare team to learn what your limits are and figure out how to safely incorporate more outdoor time into your routine. Take it slow and listen to your body as you go to avoid exhausting yourself.
When you do go out, stay hydrated and always be sun safe. Wear high SPF sunscreen and dress in long, breathable layers to cover your skin. A hat and sunglasses will also help you stay safe and comfortable while enjoying the great outdoors.
Find Comfort During Recovery With The Balm Box
Whether you’re napping in a recliner or sitting on the patio with a good book, The Balm Box’s practical breast cancer care packages are full of items that can help with post-surgery comfort and relaxation. Our side relief pillows, sweat-free ice packs, and other goodies in our mastectomy care packages are specifically designed for patients recovering from breast cancer surgery. Find meaningful gifts to make recovery a little brighter when you shop at The Balm Box today.
