Cancer brings a lot of stress to your life.
Daily worries ... even things that seem small at first ... can feel overwhelming.
But people find all kinds of ways to ease that stress.
Doing something you enjoy, no matter how small, can help release stress and help you feel more in control.
Here are some stories ...
"I'd put off being more active for years ... but it turned out to be a big stress reliever.
It's little things each day ... like short walks around the block.
It feels good to get outside.
Now I walk to meet my granddaughter at the bus stop almost every day.
It's a chance to clear my mind for a while."
"A friend of mine told me about 'mindfulness'.
And I was skeptical at first ... I'd never heard of it before ... wasn't sure where to start.
But then I started doing breathing exercises ... focusing on my breath ...
and not letting those little worries creep in.
It still helps--almost a year after finishing treatment."
"Connecting with others who have cancer really takes the strain off.
Like my support group ... everyone's story sheds new light.
Seeing people who know what it's like ... being sick ... or tired of treatment.
Hearing someone who's been there tell you, 'You'll get through this'."
"I didn't like the idea of seeing a counselor ... I'd always thought, 'That's not for me.' But I decided to make an appointment one day.
It wasn't easy, but it's been a good thing.
I was having a ton of anxiety ...
and talking with a counselor has helped me deal with that."
"Playing music sets my mind free for a while ... helps carry away the stress.
I'd do that in the mornings, before going to chemo.
If I wasn't feeling up to it some days ... I'd just lie down and listen to my favorite songs."
You've heard some ways other people have handled their stress.
Do any of these speak to you ... or sound like something you could do?
If so ... pick a goal to help relieve your stress.
Remember, you can start slowly ... with small steps, like taking short walks a few days a week.
And you can add to that when you're ready.
When you find something that works for you, choose some times during the week that you can devote to this activity ...
even if it's just a few minutes.
You can find your own strategy ... something that's just the right fit ...
to help relieve your stress ... and ease your mind.
