Mindfulness for Healing: Reducing Stressand Anxiety During Treatment
breastie
October 7, 2024
Cancer treatment brings immense physical and mental demands. Between scans, side effects,
and uncertainty for the future, it’s understandable for stress levels to feel overwhelming at times.
But did you know simple mindfulness techniques could help boost your emotional resilience
during this challenging season?
Research continually reminds us that persistent stress takes a serious toll on health when we
need our immune systems most. As patients, we carry such a heavy load each day. It’s so
important that we find ways to nourish both our physical and mental well-being.
Now about the good part, mindfulness techniques are accessible to anyone, requiring little
other than a willingness to slow down and be fully present. Studies have shown that even small
daily sessions of 10-15 minutes can have substantial benefits for decreasing stress levels and
promoting inner serenity.
Deep breathing is one place to start. Inhaling slowly for five counts and exhaling for five,
focusing on the physical sensations of each breath. Notice how it helps relax your body and
quiet the busy mind. This portable skill can be practiced anywhere as a quick way to re-center
Body scans are another nourishing self-care technique. Gently shift attention through different
areas of your physical self, one at a time, allowing any tension or discomfort held there to simply
dissolve away as you direct loving awareness to each part.
Keeping a daily gratitude journal is also uplifting. Taking just a few minutes to write down three
things you feel appreciative of, large or small, has been shown through research to improve
mood and perspective. Shifting our mindset to focus on life’s blessings, however small, makes a
difference.
While some methods may resonate more than others depending on the day, consistency seems to matter most of all for reaping
indfulness’ benefits. Choose options that feel aligned with
your energy levels and needs. Any amount of presence you bring is better than none when extra
support is needed.
If you enjoy the idea of community, many local resources offer guided sessions, whether inperson or through virtual groups. Apps also provide instruction for mindfulness that can be
practiced anytime, anywhere.
Most of all, be patient and kind to yourself. Like any new skill, mindfulness is a process, not
perfection. Each moment you spend present offers healing, whether you feel it immediately or
not.
This journey calls for compassion towards self and others. May these practices help strengthen
your resilience and remind us all that through unity, hope endures whatever difficulties arise
along the way. You’ve got this
