Managing Stress While Fighting Cancer
A dreaded cancer diagnosis can feel like the world has been pulled out from under you. It's normal to experience a whirlwind of emotions — fear, uncertainty and every stage of grief. On top of that, the process of treatment itself can be stressful. But remember, you're not alone. There are ways to manage stress and find pockets of peace even amidst the storm.
Prioritize Self-Care
Nourish Your Body: Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains gives your body the strength it needs to heal. I try to incorporate as many anti-inflammatory foods as possible.
Move Your Body: Gentle exercise like walking, yoga, or gentle strength training can significantly reduce stress and improve mood. Even light activity can make a big difference in mental clarity. Stress manifests itself in our bodies in a variety of ways — tight hips or shoulders, headaches, tummy aches, etc. So engaging the body is a great way to hack your mental health.
Relaxation Techniques: Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help calm your mind and body. There are many free guided meditations available online or through apps like Calm.
Don’t skimp on sleep: It’s recently been studied that women require more sleep than men. Aim for 8-9 hours of sleep if you feel like 7-8 isn’t enough to wake up feeling refreshed. Our bodies do a lot of healing in the REM sleep stage, so be sure to make it a priority.
Connect and Share
Talk it Out: Find a trusted friend, family member, therapist, or counselor to talk to about your fears and anxieties. Bottling up emotions can make stress worse. Cerebral is a great place to find the right therapist for you. (Bonus: they take insurance!)
Support Groups: Connecting with others who understand what you're going through can be incredibly powerful. Follow @hotgirlshavecancer on TikTok and Instagram to find community and connection with other women going through their cervical cancer diagnosis.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help: Whether it's needing a ride to treatment, help with housework, or just someone to listen, delegating tasks and asking for support eases the burden. Many times, friends and family are happy to help.
Focus on What You Can Control
Learn About Your Treatment: Knowledge is power. Talk openly with your doctor and ask questions. They are there to help you. Google/WebMD can make your anxiety worse. Educate yourself about your diagnosis and treatment options from trusted resources, and try to avoid the rabbit hole of doom.
Maintain a Routine: As much as possible, stick to a daily routine. This can provide a sense of normalcy and control during a chaotic time. I kept a lot of stress in my body, so even gentle stretching and walks are great things to add into a routine to engage your mind and body.
Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques help you focus on the present moment and can be a powerful tool for managing stress.
Remember, It's Okay to Not Be Okay
You will have good days and bad days. Allow yourself to feel all your emotions – sadness, anger, fear. There's no right or wrong way to feel. Focus on what you can control and celebrate even the small victories.
Remember, you are NOT alone in this fight. With a few minor tweaks to your routine, you can start to feel a liiiittle bit better going through your journey.
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