iPain Living Magazine — 45
falls into that third category.
Going to treatment, getting
enough rest or missing out on
social events because you are
feeling nauseous. These are all
things you will likely have to
do even though you don’t want
to. However, you do it because
these actions contribute to your
recovery.
Self-Care for
Cancer Recovery
Slow Down - People often live
life at a million miles a minute,
but when you are going
through cancer treatment, it is
important to slow your pace.
All the stress and worry your
diagnosis instigates isn’t going
to get any better if you don’t
slow down. Relaxation and
healthy stress-management
techniques help lower levels of
depression and anxiety as well
as symptoms related to the
cancer and its treatment. Try to
manifest serenity in your life
and connect with who you are
beyond your body.
Proceed with Caution - People
are often prescribed painkillers
or opioids to help manage
the symptoms and side effects
of cancer treatment. If
you are taking these medications,
it’s important to do so
carefully and under close supervision
provided by your
doctor. Addiction is a serious
problem that can haunt you for
years after your recovery if
you don’t work to prevent it.
Nourish Your Body - Since
you are already slowing your
life down, go ahead and take
the “fast” out of your food, as
well. Your body needs clean
fuel to run efficiently and fight
this thing, so avoid feeding it
cheap processed foods that do
nothing but provide empty calories.
Savor a diet full of nutrient
and antioxidant—dense
foods, including fruits, vegetables,
legumes, nuts, and whole
grains. Of course, if your treatment
makes you nauseous, it’s
better to eat anything -- even
junk food -- than nothing at all.
Listen to your body’s cravings
and give it what it can handle.
Be With Those You Love -
Nothing makes you appreciate
the people in your life more
than the threat of losing them.
Spending time with loved ones
isn’t just enjoyable. The support
they provide is essential in
your overall recovery process.
Don’t be afraid to ask your
friends and family for help.
Cancer is scarier when you go
through it alone. Let those you
love be there to take you to the
doctor, go grocery shopping,
pick up your medication, walk
your dog -- whatever it is you
need assistance with!
A cancer diagnoses is frightening.
It’s not just the illness;
everything that comes along
with it can drive anxiety
through the roof. That’s why it
is so important to care for
yourself while going through
treatment. Slow down and allow
yourself time to heal. Be
careful with the medications
you are given, and take action
to prevent addiction. Nourish
yourself with foods that support
your recovery, but don’t
deny yourself an indulgence if
that is what your body wants.
Also, spend time with those
you love. The support you get
from friends and family is beneficial
to your spiritual and
physical health. Finally, be
kind and practice self-love in
order to care for your body and
spirit so you can come out of
this better and brighter than
you were before.