I fully understand the level of anxiety and stress that overtakes one when faced with cancer or illness of any kind. It’s there, whether acknowledged it or not. What works to minimize it for some, does not work for others.
Simple steps towards managing stress:
Choose some actionable items that you know you can stick to initially. Don’t overwhelm yourself with complicated or time consuming ideas.
Gravitate to what makes you happy, or provides a distraction to get your mind away from constant worrying. For me what works is time with friends, physical activity, watching a movie, reading, cooking, time outdoors. For others it may be gardening, puzzles, photography, yoga or other hobbies.
Meditation is without a doubt a huge benefit to reducing stress. I have worked to initiate regular meditation practices, and this advice helped me get started:
There is no pressure to make a huge time commitment – 5 minutes per day is better than nothing! You will be surprised how this grows naturally.
No need to follow a formal leader, although if you have an app or favourite, use it. Or join a group regularly to help you get started. Many are available online.
Simply focus on your breath, breathe deeply and think only about the air going in and out. Imagine it releasing through the top of your head, out your hands and feet, feel your lungs expanding. Concentrate on a happy, peaceful location.
Do a head to toe body relaxation exercise, starting at the top of your head, moving to ears, face, neck, torso, arms, hands, legs, feet – a gentle flow at your own pace.
Find a quiet place a few minutes each day to empty your head, relax your body and breathe. Simple and extremely powerful, meditation leads to increased self-awareness, reduced negative emotions and an ability to focus on the present. Try it, you’ll like it!
