Nowadays the word cancer itself is making humans stressed. There will be many questions like how it occurs, how to prevent and how to treat cancer etc. If some of our friends or relatives get cancer there comes mixed emotions which then leads to stress. Thinking about the person with cancer will not be there with us makes us feel fear. When first diagnosed with cancer, they will be more worried about the future, next comes the right treatment choice and balance between work and family life should take care of their health too.
What Will Stress Do?
Stress can have an effect on mental health and cause unhealthy behaviors. Recent studies suggest that chronic stress will result in anxiety, depression, losing hope, changes in eating patterns and lifestyle. It may also cause lack of sleep, nausea, headache etc. People will have regular stress everyday by having everyday targets or while going late to work. Whereas the stress that is carried for long term is called chronic stress can make changes in the physical appearance of the body. There is no proven evidence that stress causes cancer but it might help in providing strength to the tumor cells to grow and spread faster. And also norepinephrine, which plays a key role in stress response in the body.
What Tips That Reduce The Stress During Cancer?
It is not something that consumes time or money. There is no specific treatment to cure stress. The medication that is given is just to get relaxed. It is within us to have control on all emotions and stress. In this blog, we will learn the tips that help to reduce stress in cancer. There are simple ways to reduce stress. They are the following:
- The short breath helps in producing tension in both shoulders and chest. If you have any panic attacks try to take a deep breath that helps to get more oxygen into the body. Slowing the heart rate reduces the blood pressure and stress. Here is a tip about having a square breathing technique like inhaling by counting four and holding, exhaling, holding for count four and doing it four times
- To live in the present moment to get mindfulness accepting everything that is happening around you. Clearing the mind set and having a peaceful life. Meditation, having a regular practice of yoga. It helps in promoting inner peace
- The daily routine of physical exercises like walking, swinging using treadmill, meditation and simple stretches at the work desk helps to fight against stress. While doing exercises there will be the release of endorphins, a hormone that makes us feel good. Doing more exercises helps in lowering the stress.
- Having a habit of listening to music can change your entire world. So using earphones with the required volume and enjoying the favorite song helps in reducing the stress
- Having a nice walk in the sun or in the fresh air helps in reducing stress. Eat lunch or dinner outside. A small talk with the loved one
- Research says that laughing helps in the release of endorphins in the brain and increasing the oxygen supply throughout the body helps in decreasing the stress.
- Make your life simpler by saying no to the things that bothers you, suppose spending extra time at the office, family gatherings, family outings, and shopping etc
- Spending good time such as Playing with pets releases oxytocin hormone that feels good and reduces stress. Walking and playing with pets helps relieve stress.
- Taking good nutrition helps in good health and mind. It helps in a positive way reducing overall stress. Eating food mindful and peaceful without doing many things at a time enjoying the taste of the food helps in decreasing hunger desire and relieving stress.
- Having a circle with a group of individuals helps in providing confidence and reduces the loneliness and stress about the cancer’s treatment like where to take treatment, what to do next in future etc
- Having control over the usage of nicotine, smoking, consuming alcohol and caffeine will not decrease stress and heavy usage will cause anxiety, sleeplessness.
- Nowadays therapies are used for cancer patients to have one on one sections or in a group that helps to share the feelings and thoughts you have. Free consultation is provided to the cancer patients along with their family members.
- Art classes help in the ability towards a peaceful mind set. It is not drawn for selecting a masterpiece. It involves drawing, doodling, coloring, painting etc.
- Journaling helps in spreading positive vibes writing down the emotions and thoughts everyday. Small things change the mindset among cancer patients. It does not affect negative thoughts but spreads positivity among people
- Having small social groups connected with the family, friends and other people with the cancer diagnosis. They should be around the people who help to feel good
- Getting fresh air and going around greenaries feels refreshing. The calmness in nature gives great tips to control the feelings of depression, anxiety, and fear. Everyday exposure gives relief from stress
- If the stress is troubling, it is better to have professional help. For any suggestions or advice. A specialized doctor can recommend supplements, medication, therapies etc for stress relief
- Spending time doing things you love, doing things that are your favorite will make you feel happy and can reduce stress
- Be busy in doing spiritual things like prayers, mediation, religious services to enhance the positivity and connection that is interlink with God to help to reduce stress
Stress relief during cancer is very important for increasing treatment outcomes, improving immunity, and increasing confidence. Practices like exercises, expressing feelings and emotions, spiritual activities, relaxing exercises, professional help provides encouragement, courage and strength to fight against cancer. The important thing during and after the cancer treatment is having good mental health and stress management. For any additional support to you and our family, PUNARJAN AYURVEDA provides stress management like nutrition guides, support groups, survival programmes etc. Do not forget that you are not the only one or alone, we are here to support you throughout the cancer journey.