From the moment a cancer diagnosis is first received, there is an emotional part of managing the illness, which can mean added challenges.
Staying in a positive frame of mind can help you with healing, but how do you offset the anxieties, fears, and depression that often go hand-in-hand with cancer treatment? Here is some practical advice for helping you through these difficult days.
Strike a Pose
The ancient practice of yoga is receiving more attention than ever, thanks to the variety of ways it enhances an individual’s overall well-being. Yoga can help improve your energy levels and add strength and flexibility. Not only that, but Newsweek also points out that yoga offers important perks to your mental health by lowering your risk of depression, reducing stress and anxiety, and helping you better maintain a positive outlook. Learning some yoga poses can be a particularly effective method for managing fear, worry, and anxiety.
Alternative Measures
Sometimes, the best methods for fighting pain, both emotional and physical, are found somewhat off the beaten path. One of those alternative measures is cannabidiol. You might be familiar with using cannabidiol (CBD) for a number of health-related concerns. According to some studies, CBD oil potentially provides important health benefits, such as lowering levels of anxiety and depression.
Many people express sensations of relief and clarity when using CBD oil. On top of that, CBD also appears to have anti-inflammatory qualities, thereby reducing pain.
Scents for Settling
Have you considered using aromatherapy in your home? Adding some essential oils can soothe your soul, helping your mind and body relax without you even having to think about the process. Lavender oil is a tried and true choice, potentially helping lower blood pressure levels, relax your muscles, and reduce the amount of cortisol you’re producing. Clary sage offers similar relaxing effects, and can be a particularly good choice for those fighting hormonal fluctuations. If you’re struggling with sleep, consider including bitter orange in your bedroom. To take your scents with you, roll-on versions can be applied to your wrists, temples, and the nape of your neck.
Rethink and Rearrange
Could your home’s decor be contributing to your feelings of unease? According to Psychology Today, cutting the amount of clutter in your home can reduce anxiety and stress, helping you feel more in control of your circumstances. It can even improve your self-image and add to your energy levels, which can be especially beneficial during some forms of cancer treatment.
Another suggestion for using your environment to reduce your stress and tension is to rethink your home’s color scheme. Choose selections known to be calming, such as soft shades of tan, gentle grays, and soothing sage. Light yellows and pale blues can also induce relaxation.
Spice Things Up a Bit
Your own pantry might offer some terrific tools for helping you feel more positive during cancer treatment. Several herbs and spices are known for their mental health boosting qualities. Cinnamon appears to help improve your mood and regulate blood sugar levels, and nutmeg appears to reduce anxiety and depression. Add some turmeric and hot peppers to your diet to help fight depression. On top of the potential mental health benefits, adding more zest to your foods could help offset some of the changes you might experience in your sense of taste, which can go along with cancer treatment. Even if you aren’t in the habit of cooking with herbs and spices, it’s a worthwhile addition to your lifestyle, especially during treatment.
Cancer treatment is challenging, and it isn’t unusual to experience various emotions during the journey. Thankfully, there are ways to better manage difficult days. Take steps to help yourself feel better and stay positive with changes in your environment, routine, and habits.
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