|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dealing with stress
Dealing with difficult situations is stressful, whatever their cause. It’s common to feel stressed and anxious once you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, and during treatment. Even after treatment is finished, you may still find it hard to relax.
Do you have an aching neck and shoulders, are you constantly tired, do you have indigestion? These things are common signs of stress.
If you’re anxious you might have headaches or racing thoughts, or find it difficult to sleep and eat well.
Learning to relax or meditate can be helpful.
Some tips for reducing stress
 Get to know your body's normal reactions so that you can recognise when you are tense. Shallow breathing and a fast pulse are often an indication of your body's reaction to stress. Learn to relax. Deep breathing is a natural relaxant. Try to take several deep breaths each hour. Communicate. Talking to other people can be a valuable way to deal with your problems and reduce the stress associated with them. Get some exercise. Even a gentle walk can loosen you up and many people find physical activity leads to relaxation. Check with your doctor about when you can start exercises and what sort are appropriate. Gentle massage can be physically and emotionally relaxing and is usually safe – check with your doctor. Laugh – you'll be surprised how good it makes you feel, even if laughing was the last thing you thought you could do. Have fun. Keep up your hobbies and try to get out of the house regularly, even if only for short outings. Listen to relaxing music in peaceful surroundings. Let other people know you do not want to be disturbed for a while. Your religion or spiritual beliefs may be very supportive and a priest or chaplain can be a valuable spiritual counsellor. Be aware of your needs. Take time to rest when you are tired. Limit your intake of tea and coffee and eat a well-balanced diet. Be kind to yourself. Learn to make lists. Writing down a daily list of your priorities helps you avoid too many deadlines and to achieve what you want to do. Take control of your own life. Live up to your expectations, not someone else's. Have the courage to say no! when extra commitments will cause pressure. Asking for help is a way of taking control too.Call Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20 if you'd like more help and information or to borrow relaxation tapes.
Find out more
On this website
American Cancer Society - see Patients, family and friends>Coping with treatment Cancerbackup - see Resources and support National Cancer Institute - see Cancer topics>coping with cancer CancerNet - see Treatments > managing side effects or Coping with cancer > emotional and physical matters  Top |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Info & support 
