Emotional Coping During and After Cancer

These tips may help you deal with your emotional care during treatment and recovery.

Coping Skills

• Know What to Expect. Find out all you can about your cancer.
• Have A Support System. Consider a formal support group in addition to friends and family.
• Stay Active. Stay involved in activities you enjoy and keep busy indoors and out, but remember to relax, rest and eat often.
• Be Proactive. Be active in your treatment process.
• Set Reasonable Goals. Try to gain control with a sense of purpose and set small goals one at a time.
• Take Time to Heal. Find things that bring you joy and look for a connection to something greater than yourself.

Get Up and Move

• Walk, stretch and get more physical activity.
• You may exercise 10-30 minutes on most days.
• Always check with your health care team before restarting exercise.

Practice Stress Management

• Try meditation or deep breathing.
• Take a yoga class. Practice stretching.
• Consider Reiki.
• Get a massage.

Sleep at Night

• Sleep in a dark room. No lights or television.
• Aim to sleep 7-8 hours per night.
• Nap during the day if you need to, but limit nap time to 20 minutes.
• Sleep in a calm, relaxing place.

Avoid Toxins

• Don't smoke. Stay away from second-hand smoke.
• Limit exposure to dry cleaning, new carpet or furniture, and paint.
• Use vinegar or chemical-free household cleaners.
• Limit UV light exposure (sun) to 10 minutes, three times per day