Self-Care and Spiritual Wellness Practices for People Living with Cancer

Guest post by Scott Sanders
Scott can be reached by email at info AT cancerwell DOT org

Fear, anger, stress, worry, confusion, and uncertainty are among the many negative emotions that can come with a cancer diagnosis. Typically, after the diagnosis, you choose the most suitable treatment approach to help you beat cancer.

Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy play a role in cancer treatment. However, an integrative approach to oncology that integrates self-care and spiritual wellness has proven to not only promote recovery and alleviate symptoms but also to improve the quality of your life.

Self-care practices for cancer patients

For many millennials, self-care is equated to getting massages, getting facials, and having your nails done. For cancer patients, self-care is about offering support to your mind, body, and spirit during this difficult time. It involves ensuring that you eat nutritious meals and get adequate sleep and time to relax. You may not have the energy to go for a five-mile run or engage in intense exercises, but it is essential to get in some gentle exercises to boost your energy levels and promote your overall health.

Establish a support system. Dealing with cancer is difficult, but when you have loved ones walking with you on this journey, it becomes more bearable. You require both professional support and support from family and friends. Regularly communicate with your doctor for the practical aspects of your treatment. It is helpful to talk to other people who are or have been on a similar journey; therefore, join a support group. Be deliberate about spending time with your friends and family and do not hesitate to seek help whenever necessary.

Learn some relaxation techniques to help ease tension and anxiety on days when you feel overwhelmed. Deep breathing helps to restore a mind-body connection and activate the parasympathetic nervous system which activates your relaxation mode. Create a soothing playlist that makes you feel good. Watch your favorite comedy, as laughter reduces stress and pain and helps your muscles relax.

Another way you can relax is to make sure your house is clean and decluttered, as a messy, untidy house has been shown to cause an increase in stress and anxiety. What’s more, an unclean house can also contribute to polluted indoor air, which, surprisingly, is often made worse by the use of harsh chemicals. So, in addition to using all-natural, all-purpose cleaners, make sure you’re changing your air filter regularly (every 60 to 90 days) to keep irritants out of your indoor air. And when selecting an air filter, try to stick to a brand that matches your unit (for example, use Lennox air filters if your HVAC system was made by Lennox).

Drug Abuse and prescription medication

Drug use and addiction have adverse effects that can inhibit the effectiveness of cancer treatment and cause a downward spiral of your overall health. By all means, avoid the use of drugs during your treatment. If you were facing problems with addiction before the cancer diagnosis, seek substance abuse treatment alongside your cancer treatment.

That said, it is important to note that opioids play a major role in pain management among cancer patients. If abused, one can suffer opioid addiction which can negatively impact their treatment. To safely use opioids as part of your cancer treatment strategy, consult with your oncologist for the right prescription and make sure to follow the dosage directions. If you find yourself using more than the recommended dosage, let your caregiver and oncologist know so that they can monitor your intake.

Tap into your spirituality

According to a research study published by the American Cancer Society, religious and spiritual cancer patients reported improved quality of life, fewer cancer symptoms, and greater ability to undertake daily activities. These patients also had better emotional and mental health and consequently lower incidences of depression, anxiety disorders, and suicide which are common among cancer patients. They were also able to retain their social roles and relationships.

Spirituality and religion give you a sense of purpose and connection to a power higher than you, which you can rely on for healing, comfort, and strength to go on with life. For religious people, practices such as prayer and attending church with other believers keep them going. If you are not religious, you can still tap into your spirituality through practices such as meditation, spending time in nature, engaging in arts, and spending time in silence. Create a daily spiritual routine that works for you.

Effective cancer management takes more than choosing the best cancer therapy. An approach that incorporates taking care of the mind, body, and spirit improves your overall well-being and helps your body recover.

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