How to Practice Self-Care During Cancer
Cancer is primarily out of our control. We can’t change cancer, but we can make decisions about how we care for ourselves. Self-care is one way to “get back in the driver’s seat.”
Through self-care, we pay attention to our needs, strengthen our reserves and perhaps even build resilience. Self-care during cancer treatment is an essential and vital part of happiness and health. Research shows that regular self-care practices can reduce the adverse effects of stress, sleep disturbances and anxiety. It has also been shown to prevent overload and help build focus.
Finding moments of silence can have significant psychological and mental health advantages and give you a greater sense of peace. With all of the constant noise you hear on a day-to-day basis, embracing silence can help stimulate your brain and help you process information. It can also help you be more creative and improve your concentration and focus. With a bit of practice, you can reap the benefits of silence and improve your mental health and wellbeing.
A retrospective study of nurse-delivered aromatherapy found clinically significant improvements in patient-reported pain, anxiety, and nausea following use of essential oils. Most treatments involved nasal inhalation, and data show sweet marjoram to be most effective for pain, with lavender and sweet marjoram producing anxiolytic benefits and ginger being effective against nausea.
Aromatherapy significantly improved measures of global health status, role functioning, and appetite loss.
When you’re journaling for comfort and self-care during cancer, there really are no rules. You can just sit down and write what you feel. However, some people prefer writing prompts to help them get started. Don’t overthink things. Just write what comes. As you see your page filling up, be sure to remain compassionate with yourself. Whatever you write is right. You are the expert of your own experiences. Breathe. Trust yourself. Write!
Exercise is an important part of a cancer treatment plan. A growing amount of research shows that regular exercise can greatly improve physical and mental health during every phase of treatment. Even if you were not active before your cancer diagnosis, an exercise program that meets your unique needs can help you get moving safely and successfully. We recommend that people with cancer take part in aerobic and strength-training exercise during cancer treatment.
Call a friend or loved one to catch up. Conversations can help you stay connected to the people you care about. These calls allow you to share feelings and support each other through life’s changes. Cancer can make people closer as they face challenges together. Sharing time with your loved one and doing things you enjoy can help you move toward the future with a positive outlook.
Further Reading
Getting Support for Mental Health After Your Diagnosis
Talk to friends and family members you feel close to and trust. They care about you and want to help you recover.
10 Ways to Practice Self-Care During HR-Positive/HER2-Negative Breast Cancer Treatment
Siddhartha Mukherjee Follows Up Biography of Cancer With “Intimate History” of Genetics
