Ways To Cope With Cancer
Being told you have cancer can make you feel frightened and depressed. No matter how bad it may seem, there's no reason to give up. This article will help you find ways to stay strong during a dark time.
Exercise for as long as you can. While many cancer treatments can leave you feeling tired or sick, it's beneficial to stay active if at all possible. Exercise doesn't have to mean running a marathon or biking for miles. It can be as simple as going for a walk with a friend or doing some light weight lifting while you watch TV. Staying active will help keep your body strong while it fights off an illness. It can also be a way to relieve stress. Yoga can give you a great workout without putting a lot of strain on your body, and it can help you relax.
Trust your doctor. Your doctor wants you to get well and is an expert on your health. It's good to be informed about your condition, but knowing when to let your doctor take the reigns will give you the best treatment with the least anxiety.
Keep a positive attitude whenever possible. It's normal to feel frightened by your diagnosis, but it's not healthy to let those feelings overwhelm you. If you're having a hard time staying optimistic, focus on one day at a time. Some days may be better than others, but you had good days and bad days before you got sick. Don't force yourself to be upbeat, but be willing to look for the positive in every situation.
Pets can be a great source of comfort. Your pets can often sense when something is wrong and may try to cheer you up or make you feel better. Rather than worrying that you may become unable to take care of your pets, enjoy the time you have now. Find some time to play with your cat or dog and show them some affection. No matter how you're feeling, your pet is always happy to see you and is always willing to listen to you without interrupting, judging, or offering unwelcome advice. To avoid infection, ask a friend or family member to help clean up after your pet while you're recovering, and be sure to keep any medications where pets can't get to them.
Find time to spend with your family. Let your family members know that having someone to talk to helps. Although cancer and other illnesses are topics we often try to avoid, being able to share your experiences with a loved one can help. Family members can also provide normalcy at a potentially unstable time. Try to keep routines like meals and holidays as consistent as possible.
Avoid stress. As mentioned before, exercise and spending time with animals can help you relax. Even if you're low on energy, you can reduce stress by practicing deep breathing, listening to soothing music, or reading a book. Find some time each day to relax.
It's important to remember that, no matter what your diagnosis, you still have hope. Use these techniques, and you'll be able to make it through the worst.
