There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called Yesterday, and one is called Tomorrow. So Today is the right day to love, believe, do and mostly live. ~ Dalai Lama

It is not unusual, while living with a cancer diagnosis, to feel like you have to make a plan of action. Treatment side effects, worrying about what the future holds, and simply having your life turned upside down creates stress and can overwhelm. Trying to pretend that these feelings and worries don’t exist doesn’t work out very well for most of us. While you don’t have much control over the cancer itself or how it has changed your day-to-day life, you can change how much attention you give these thoughts.  You have control over what you focus on in the present moment. Connect with others who share similar challenges at one of our Support Groups or check out a class and learn simple practices to manage these thoughts and feelings. Below are some ideas about how to shift your focus and find ways to bring pleasure and joy back into your daily life.

Reflect on what gives you a sense of purpose and meaning. 

Some people say that being diagnosed with cancer was like having a lightbulb moment about what is really important to them. For instance, maybe there are things you really want to do and have put off doing.  Or you may start questioning what it is that gives you a sense of satisfaction or accomplishment. Sometimes that can be getting involved with a group or organization where you can provide support to others or promote a cause that is important to you.  Whatever the answers to these questions are, you have taken the first step in shifting your thoughts and energy toward what you can do to live in the present with purpose and satisfaction.

What makes you happy?

Stop for a moment, take a deep breath, and ask yourself, “What brings me joy, makes me smile, or helps me put things in perspective?” People often say that what makes them happy are the simple things in life like watching the flowers come up in early spring, seeing the moon and the stars shine brightly on a clear night, or seeing children (or dogs) playing in the park.  Put your finger on the simple things in your life that make you happy and remember to experience that joy as often as possible.

Focus on today, not tomorrow, next week, or next month.

Try and shift your attention to the here and now. Thinking about what will happen in the future takes away from your ability to appreciate what is happening in the present. Mindfulness meditation is an excellent tool to help you learn how to focus your mind in new and helpful directions. Register for Cancer Lifeline’s free, regular series classes such as Meditation for Self-Care and other classes about Stress Management.

Get your body moving.

While exercising may feel like the last thing you want to do, physical movement no matter how minimal, is key to managing stress and mindfulness and can enhance mindfulness practices. When you exercise, your brain releases endorphins that promote a greater sense of well-being helping to break the cycle of negative thoughts and worries. Register for one of Cancer Lifeline’s free,  Yoga Class Series.

Get outside.

Get outside as often as you can and take a deep breath of fresh air — then do it again!  If you can go for a walk around your neighborhood, do it! Start with just one block at a time if that’s what you can manage. If you can’t get a walk in, simply sit on your porch or in your yard, smell the aroma of nature, and listen to the birds.

Get connected to others.

Set aside uninterrupted time to talk on a regular basis with family and friends. Think of this as a protected time to just “check-in” with one another. There may not be concerns or issues to address, but knowing the time is scheduled creates a regular time and space for conversation. There may be times you don’t want to talk about yourself or your situation and want to hear about life outside of cancer. You might also consider joining an on-line cancer support group, as nothing can compare to the feeling of being a part of a community of people who truly understand your experience and “get it.”No matter how you choose to connect with others, having the opportunity to talk about whatever is running through your head diminishes the power those unwanted thoughts have over you.

Write it down.

The act of writing is a powerful tool! Some people write down their worries and concerns so that they are out of their head, which allows them to give them away more easily and stop thinking about them. Having a ritual can also help. Some people choose to actually burn the paper they wrote their worries and concerns on in their fireplace. Another writing tool that can help shift your focus away from those negative thoughts is to start a gratitude journal. The things mentioned above, such as paying attention to what brings you joy or what meaningful activities you want to pursue, are great ways to get started. Going back and reading your journal entries are helpful when trying to stay focused on what you are grateful for in the moment. Consider registering for Cancer Lifeline’s free, Online Writing Classes.

Get creative.

This is not about artistic skill, but about getting all those negative thoughts out of your head. Much like writing and talking, the end game is to get those feelings out of your head. Creative expressive is an especially helpful tool when you are challenged to find the words to adequately describe what is happening in your head. Cancer Lifeline offers free, online Creative Expression Classes.

All Cancer Lifeline programs, classes, support groups and other services can be accessed by going to the Cancer Lifeline website: cancerlifeline.org  or calling the Lifeline: (800) 255-5505 or (206) 297-2500 (M-F, 9am-5pm PST).