7 Tips for Managing Stress

Written By Guest User

Written by Madeline McNeill and Kendall Preston. They are Public Health Interns and are passionate about helping those in the breast cancer community.

 

Being diagnosed with cancer is an overwhelming and fearful time. That said, it is likely you may experience higher amounts of stress than normal. Stress can weaken your immune system and negatively affect your mental health, which is why it is super important to take steps in managing your stress.

 

1. Get Plenty of Sleep

Getting enough sleep can be hard, but once you get the hang of it, a balanced sleep cycle will help manage your stress! Try going to bed and waking up around the same time each day, it will help get your body in a routine. When you get the right amount of sleep, it results in more energy, better mood, and an overall healthy mind.

2. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Your diet affects way more than you might think. Keeping a healthy well-balanced diet is key to keeping your body balanced. 

  • Aim to have many colors on your plate! Most multicolored foods such as leafy greens, most vegetables and fruits all are packed with vitamins and minerals.

  • Watch your sodium. High stress can lead to high cholesterol and trying to lessen your sodium intake can aid with cholesterol levels. 

  • Not all fats are bad - try adding some healthy fats to your diet, they help fuel your brain and heart!

  • Limit alcohol and caffeine. They contain properties that can cause sleep apnea and anxiety, which can contribute to higher stress levels.

  • Click here for a free digital recipe book containing a variety of healthy meal ideas for cancer patients!

3. Participate in Activities You Enjoy

Take time to do things for yourself. There is a huge spectrum of hobbies and activities to enjoy, ranging from reading a book to playing tennis and much more. Doing things you enjoy can help lift your mood and take your mind off of things, both which are beneficial in relieving stress.

4. Exercise

Staying active not only keeps your body energized and healthy, it has also been known to help reduce stress. Going out for a walk can allow you to clear your head and keep your mind off things. You can even grab a buddy and go workout together!

5. Keep Your Schedule Manageable

When you have too much to do at once, it can become overwhelming and stressful. You probably aren’t going to be able to do as much as you could before the diagnosis and that’s perfectly ok. Try to limit your schedule, focus on your priorities and do the things that are most important to you.

6. Look for Financial Resources

Worrying about how you are going to pay for everything can be one of the biggest stressors. Don’t wait until the very end to search for help. There are many resources and organizations out there that can provide you with financial assistance if needed. Check out our page with a list of places that can help → Breast Cancer Financial Assistance Directory

7. Ask for Help

You are not alone in this - reach out to family and friends for support. Even simple tasks, such as having someone do your laundry or make a meal, can have a big difference. If you don’t have family you can lean on, try a support group! Talking to others who are in the same boat as you can provide you with a sense of comfort and that emotional support that you may need.

Guest User
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