Self-Care and Spirituality Can Help Patients Cope with Cancer

Enjoy this article written by guest blogger Scott Sanders.

Scott Sanders is the creator of CancerWell.org, which provides resources and support for anyone who has been affected by any form of cancer. He is also the author of the book Put Yourself First: A Guide to Self-care and Spiritual Wellness During and After Cancer Treatment.

Cancer is whirlwind. From diagnosis through treatment, the journey is an emotional roller coaster. All the ups and downs make it difficult to cope with. For this reason, many patients turn toward spirituality and self-care to help reduce depression and anxiety. Tuning into your mental and physical state has been shown to improve health and create a positive outlook.

How Self-Care and Spirituality Work

Self-care is an important tool to cultivate when managing life with cancer. From taking time to do an activity you enjoy to continuing to eat right, self-care is about prioritizing your needs. Spirituality, on the other hand, is about using a higher power to connect yourself to the world. This can help you find meaning during this difficult time. Together, these can improve your ability to cope and heal.

For many, a cancer diagnosis comes with the shock of being forced to face your mortality. This brings up a wide range of psychological effects from grief, anger, depression, anxiety, guilt and vulnerability. Treatment quickly becomes a series of victories and disappointments, sometimes both at once. It is not easy. The toll it takes is just as much mental as it is physical. This is why you should practice self-care and spirituality.

Keep Up Health Habits

Even though chemotherapy takes a toll on your energy and appetite, you still need to maintain healthy behaviors. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and exercising.

Be especially wary of your diet. Treatment can affect your eating habits and nutrition intake in a variety of unpredictable ways. The American Cancer Society is an excellent resource on what to eat depending on your specific side effects. Though it can feel impossible, sticking to good habits will make you feel better and stronger.

Meditation and Mindfulness

Many cancer patients feel a loss of control in their lives. However, practicing meditation and mindfulness has been proven to help reduce stress and find peace. It can also help if you have difficulty sleeping and can relieve pain. No matter your spiritual upbringing, meditation also offers a way for you to connect and reflect on the world around you.

Though it may take time to feel the benefits of meditation, keep it up. Not only do these practices ease some negative mental health concerns, but according to Cancer Research UK, it has been proven to help boost the immune system, too.

Do Something You Love

Cancer does not mean you have to stop doing things that you enjoy. Even though it may take a little extra energy, don’t stop with your hobbies. Doing things that make you happy will help you feel like yourself and can lift your spirits. Find activities that require little energy and consider things that can be taken into the cancer ward with you like knitting, reading or listening to podcasts.

Family and friends can be another source of joy. Though you may be leaning on them for support already, spending time with them for their company can be incredibly fulfilling. Set time for visits, or if you’re feeling up to it, activities you can do together. That being said, do not be afraid to ask them for help either. They will appreciate knowing exactly what your needs are and how to best support you.

The Key is Kindness

Self-care and spirituality are necessary to recovery. Slow down your day to day and make time to feel better about yourself. However, you chose to do it, whether through meditation, hobbies, or focusing on your health, this is about you and making yourself feel good.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash.