Mental and Emotional Well-being of a Cancer Patient
Things to keep in mind if you’re on treatment
1. Understanding your diagnosis
2. Knowing your side effects and reaching out to therapists
3. Finding support programs and services
4. Balancing your Food, body and Mind
5. Living well during treatment
Here are some of the ways to nurture your mental health
● Have a consistent support system ( Family, friends, pets)
● Be organised with your time and medical information
● pend time with loved ones
● Embrace your passion
● Remember to breathe and practise meditation
● Listen to and read inspiring stories
● Connect with people who have been through what you have
● Write about your experience and record it if you can, as this might help others
Anxiety and stress release techniques for cancer patients
There are a lot of emotions to process when you find out you have cancer, which does not change when you are undergoing treatment. Not only is it emotional and exhausting, but it can be stressful as well.
From coordinating appointments and treatments, to the mental and emotional strain it can cause for both you and your family members, the stress can quickly add up and get overwhelming.
It’s surprising to what extent diet, exercise and sleep affect your stress levels, so make
sure you stay on top of that. Meditation is extremely effective and has been proven to have profound effects on stress and your physiological state of being. Breathing and pranayama are also very effective at keeping anxiety and stress levels low. Start your day with some quiet time where you can focus on your breath and rest your mind. You can start with just 5 minutes a day and work your way up. Do this just before sleeping as well, to help give a restful sleep.
5 ways to manage stress
1. Spend time outdoors
Getting fresh air and a dose of greenery can be incredibly relaxing and refreshing. Outdoors is a great remedy for feelings of depression, anxiety and stress. Walking in nature can be therapeutic and can substantially improve your mental health.
2. Limit alcohol, caffeine and nicotine
Though often considered a stress-relieving vice, alcohol, nicotine and caffeine often cause sleeplessness and anxiety which contribute to the body’s stress response.
3. Ask for and accept help
Many people will offer to help in various ways when they hear you are ill. Even though it may feel awkward or uncomfortable, when someone asks if you need help to run errands or do the laundry, say “Yes”! People would not offer if they did not want to find some way to help you.
4. Exercise
Physical activity will help you stay in better shape, keep your body active and energized, and is known to improve mental health and eliminate stress. Exercise is truly one of your biggest tools in the fight against stress during cancer treatment.
5. Join a support group
Sometimes, even when friends and family have the best of intentions, they cannot understand what you are going through when you are undergoing cancer treatment. A support group can alleviate a lot of stress because you can talk about your cancer related issues with a group of people who truly understand. They may be able to offer helpful advice, guidance, a shoulder to cry on or more and this will drastically reduce your stress levels.
Tags: stress, anxiety, managing stress, cancer, cancer patients, support groups, exercise, meditation, sleep, diet, cancer patient, cancer survivor, cancer treatment, cancer
