A child’s cancer journey is enormously stressful for both children and their families. The mental, emotional, and physical toll is a lot to handle for anyone! Healthy coping skills are important for children and their families. Here are six ways to relieve stress, improve mental and emotional well-being, and, most importantly, improve the quality of life for a holistic approach to effective cancer treatment.
Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your whole body. Not only does regular physical activity keep you fit, but it has an amazingly positive impact on the mind. You’ll sleep better, have more energy, and may find relief from symptoms of depression and anxiety. Plus, exercise boosts self-esteem and overall well-being.
Exercise improves cognitive function, too, so you’ll be able to think more clearly and get out from under the “fog” that may be clouding your mind and mood.
While kids with cancer may be limited in how they can exercise due to fatigue, light physical activity is still important. Regular activity especially improves brain and cardiovascular health. For most cancer patients, exercise isn’t just safe – it’s highly beneficial before, during, and after cancer treatment.
Sometimes we just need a safe place to express honest and raw feelings. When you have words and feelings to express but fear judgment or backlash, journaling is the best outlet. Get a sturdy journal that you can contribute to on a regular basis. Catalog how you’re feeling and what’s going on – then you can “think through” it all on paper.
Journaling is especially helpful for dealing with complex or difficult emotions – anger, guilt, resentment, and more. You may feel you can’t express these feelings to anyone, so express them to yourself. Writing things down helps them get out of your head and processed in a healthy (but private) manner.
Creative outlets, like exercise, improve our mental and physical well-being. Drawing, painting, crochet, or any other manner of arts and crafts are known to ease stress and anxiety while improving mental function, mood, and self-esteem. You don’t have to be good at art to enjoy a creative outlet, either!
Case in point: adult coloring books are more popular than ever and used to relieve stress! Your activity can be something simple to pick up and work on at your leisure, or you can take the time to learn a new skill.
Your artistic endeavors can even be used to help other kids with cancer and their families. Learning how to sew and make dolls, creating inspirational art, or making other gifts with your hands can both raise money and directly comfort families in the same situation.
But don’t feel pressured to monetize your hobbies: do them because you enjoy them!
For some, keeping thoughts in a journal isn’t enough. You may need the commiseration and support of those who understand what you’re going through. Support groups and counselors can help you get that kind of support!
The cost of counseling might be a concern for you and your family, but support groups are usually free to join. In the same way, you can seek out counseling from your pastor or another spiritual leader.
If you’re the parent or primary caretaker of a child with cancer, chances are you’re letting your own needs go by the wayside. This is understandable as you want to prioritize your child’s health and recovery – but it isn’t sustainable. Your child needs you to be the best you can be!
Carve out some “me” time to relax and unwind. Schedule a weekly bubble bath. Play your favorite game. Read a few chapters of a good book before bed. Self-neglect only leads to burnout!
The Japanese have a concept called shinrin-yoku or “forest bathing.” This is simply relaxing in nature, away from cities and civilization. This practice is shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate, decrease cortisol production (the stress hormone), and improve overall mental health. Even if you can’t pack up and head to the nearest national park, there are big benefits to getting outside.
Spend some time in your backyard, by a lake, or exploring the great outdoors in your city. A nature escape for a few hours or over a weekend does the body so much good!