Many people say they feel as if their lives were turned upside down as soon as they received their cancer diagnosis, leaving them feeling a loss of control. Days are suddenly filled with clinic appointments, tests, and treatment visits. Feelings of stress, fear, worry, can dominate one’s thoughts. Then there are the more subtle changes that accompany the diagnosis such as living with fatigue and other side effects that also require changes to daily routines and activities.
If you are facing a cancer diagnosis, there are things you can do to take back some control, and it all starts with prioritizing your own self-care. Self-care is critical to managing your stress, recovery, and overall well-being. Take the first step by calling and talking about your experience with one of our Lifeline Specialists. Attend a class on self-care. Below are some additional strategies to help prioritize your self-care.
Slow down and refocus. Stress usually makes us feel overwhelmed and pressed for time. To break that cycle, focus on one day at a time or even small increments of time such as 15th minutes at a time. The more you can build in time for rest and pause, the calmer you will feel. Clearing the mind and taking some deep breaths only requires a couple of minutes and can be done anywhere. Practicing deep breathing or meditation at the start of the day, in the shower, at lunch, or before bed can greatly relieve stress. Sometimes simply getting outside and taking some deep breaths of fresh air can clear your brain and help you refocus.
Take time for the things you enjoy. Making time for your favorite activities is a simple way to distract yourself and help your body reduce stress.
- Make a list of books you have always wanted to read and start checking them off
- Listen to audiobooks if reading is a challenge right now
- Cooking & Baking: Is there a recipe you have been meaning to give a try?
- Start an art project create a photo album, learn to paint, or create jewelry
- Create or listen to music
Take back some control at your clinic visits. Engage with your care team and become an active participant in this process. Prepare yourself for clinic visits by making a list of your questions. Do not hesitate to ask for more information. Ask permission to record the visit so you can re-listen to what has been said when you get home.
Find a way to get those unwanted thoughts out of your head. There is nothing to be gained by keeping fears, worries and concerns to yourself. Expression through journaling, artwork, talking with friends or family, and/or joining a cancer support group are all ways to diminish the power these thoughts have over you.
Stay active. Get your body moving.Physical exercise is key to managing stress and anxiety…consider a morning or afternoon walk around your neighborhood each day or register for an online yoga class series.
Pay attention to your diet. You need, and deserve, to have healthy and nourishing food to help yourself heal. Food is an important and often challenging part of the cancer experience. If you don’t have the energy to cook for yourself, a great way for your friends and family to support you is by making meals for you. If you need ideas for healthy and nutritious meals, explore nutrition classes offered by Cancer Lifeline.
Celebrate your resilience and strength. Stop for a moment and reflect on what you have been able to do! We are often quick to see our shortcomings or challenges but not our strengths. Write yourself a letter of admiration, create a collage, or write a song or a poem. Celebrate you!
Manage offers of help from others. Decide what you really want to hold onto and what you can allow others to help with. Accepting assistance and help will require turning over some control, so what can you live with if it’s not done the same way you would do it? This is a very personal inventory and will be unique to each person.
Cancer Lifeline’s FREE Programs and Services for CANCER PATIENTS, SURVIVORS, and CAREGIVERS are here to help you!
Register to join Online Support Groups. Nothing can compare to the feeling of being part of a community of people who truly understand your experience and “get it.” Support groups (all cancers & cancer specific) meet regularly and welcome new members! For dates and times go to the Cancer Lifeline Support Group page on our website. Call the Lifeline or connect through Lifeline Chat. Need someone to listen and help you sort out your feelings? Call the Lifeline at (800) 255-5505 or (206) 297-2500 (9am-5pm). Lifeline Chat can be accessed by clicking the green “We are here to listen” button on any page of our website.
Access Cancer Lifeline’s Cancer Specific Counseling and Family Support Programs: Contact Pamela Krueger at [email protected] or 206-832-1271
Access Cancer Lifeline’s Therapist Referral Program: Receive names of therapists in the local community who have experience working with people affected by cancer. Referrals and support in choosing a therapist are available for patients, survivors, family members, friends, and oncology professionals. Referrals are free. Cancer Lifeline does not arrange payment with therapists on behalf of clients or check insurance benefits, this is the client’s responsibility. For more information, call the Lifeline at 206-297-2500 between the hours of 9 am- 5 pm or visit: https://cancerlifeline.org/counseling-services/
Access Cancer Lifeline’s presentations and classes (creative expression, exercise and movement, nutrition, and stress reduction) by going to the Cancer Lifeline website or calling the Lifeline: (800) 255-5505 or (206) 297-2500 (M-F 9am-5pm PST.)
You can now participate in our support groups and classes online from the comfort of your home!