Stress is a frequent companion to cancer, and it needs to be acknowledged, even accepted. People who have cancer may find the physical, emotional, and social effects of the disease to be stressful.
Factors that lead to stress in cancer patients and their caregivers:
- Worries about an uncertain future
- Managing unforeseen costs
- Problems associated with the disease and its treatment
Knowing the physical signs of stress you experience can help one understand that causes and take action to reduce or prevent these issues.
How does psychological stress affect people who have cancer?
A cancer diagnosis affects a person’s relationships, productivity, and well-being. Coping with cancer can be more challenging with added stress from work, family, or financial concerns. Everyday stress can also make coping with a cancer diagnosis more difficult.
Stress has not been shown to cause cancer. But chronic stress may weaken the immune system, causing other health problems and decreasing feelings of well-being.
How can people who have cancer cope with psychological stress?
Emotional and social support can help patients learn to cope with psychological stress. Such support can reduce levels of depression, anxiety, and disease- and treatment-related symptoms among patients.
Tips to reduce stress:
- Exercise regularly: Moderate exercise such as a 30-minute walk several times a week can help lower stress. If possible, take a walk outside in a park or other natural setting. Sunlight, fresh air, and the sounds of nature can help brighten a person’s day.
- Make time to socialize with family or friends, as it is a good way to lower stress.
- Maintaining a healthy diet and getting enough rest will give you more energy to deal with daily stressors.
- Try to get 7 or more hours of sleep each night. If you are having difficulty sleeping, talk with your health care team about ways to manage sleeping problems.
- Join a support group as it offers you the chance to talk about your feelings and fears with others who share and understand your experiences.
- Spend time doing an activity that you enjoy and you find relaxing, such as reading a book, gardening, or listening to music.
- Learn a new hobby. Engaging in a new and challenging activity gives you a sense of accomplishment and provides a distraction from daily worries.
- Engage yourself in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga. These can help your mind relax and even reduce fatigue.
Some more approaches that can be helpful towards reducing stress are:
- Make a list of the things you routinely do, such as work and household chores and prioritize your tasks.
- Break down tasks into smaller steps. This process can make seemingly overwhelming problems easier to handle.
- Be aware of your limits. If you do not have the time, energy, or interest, it is okay to politely decline when people ask you to take on tasks. Do not feel guilty over saying no. At work, do not volunteer for projects that would make your workload unmanageable.
- Ask for help. It is also good sense to ask family, friends, and coworkers for help. People are likely to offer their support, so think about particular tasks you need help with beforehand.
Learn to recognize the physical signs of stress. Feeling calm and rested, prepares one to handle difficult situations with greater confidence and resolve.
Comments
Post a Comment