Stress Management When You Have CancerTopic OverviewThe diagnosis of cancer presents many challenges, and you may feel a great deal of stress. Some people try to relieve stress by smoking, drinking, overeating, using drugs, or just "shutting down." Some people become violent or abusive in response to stress. These methods of coping have harmful side effects. By learning other ways to deal with symptoms of stress, you can avoid problems that may affect yourself or others and improve your overall quality of life.
Relaxation skillsWhatever you do to manage stress, you can benefit from the regular use of relaxation skills. The following methods of relaxation and meditation are among the simplest and most effective. They should be done twice a day for about 20 minutes. Pick a time and place where you won't be disturbed or distracted. After you've trained your body and mind to relax (2 to 3 weeks), you'll be able to produce that same relaxed state whenever you want. Roll breathingThe way you breathe affects your whole body. Full, deep breathing is a good way to reduce tension and feel relaxed. The object of roll breathing is to develop full use of your lungs and get in touch with the rhythm of your breathing. It can be practiced in any position, but it is best to learn it lying on your back with your knees bent.
Practice roll breathing daily for several weeks until you can do it almost anywhere, providing an instant relaxation tool any time you need one. Caution: Some people get dizzy the first few times they try roll breathing. If you begin to hyperventilate or become lightheaded, slow your breathing. Get up slowly. Progressive muscle relaxationThe body responds to stressful thoughts or situations with muscle tension, which can cause pain or discomfort. Deep muscle relaxation reduces muscle tension and general mental anxiety, too. Progressive muscle relaxation is effective in combating stress-related health problems and often helps people get to sleep. Method You can use a CD, a video from the Internet, or a smartphone app to help you go through all the muscle groups, or you can do it by just tensing and relaxing each muscle group. Choose a place where you can lie down on your back and stretch out comfortably, such as a carpeted floor. Tense each muscle group for 4 to 10 seconds (hard but not to the point of cramping), then give yourself 10 to 20 seconds to release it and relax. Now and then take the time to review all the muscle groups. Then relax each one a little more each time you use this method. How to tense each muscle group
When you are finished, return to alertness by counting backwards from 5 to 1. Related InformationCredits
ByHealthwise Staff Current as ofMarch 28, 2018
Current as of: March 28, 2018 |
Search the
Healthwise Knowledgebase Topic ContentsThis information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2018 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. |