P.S. heartfelt ideas for coping with your recovery
During your healing process, you, your caregiver, and your family should try to create a variety of types of support. By having many ideas on hand, you will be able to choose what types of support feel right for you.
You might not be in the mood for certain activities at certain times. That’s why a wide choice of options can be beneficial. Here are some ideas you might not have considered to help you feel comforted.
- Pet therapy
If you have a dog, cat, bird, or other pet, you already know the comfort and healing power that a pet can bring to your life. There is nothing quite like the unconditional love of an animal. That’s why it’s no surprise that animal-assisted therapy is a well-recognized way of helping patients cope with disease. Animals, especially beloved pets, make people happy. If you don’t own a pet, perhaps someone else in your extended family, or maybe a neighbor or friend, could bring his or her pet for a visit. It’s a good way to feel calm and reduce your stress. Check with your healthcare team to assure that this is a viable and safe option.
- Blogs
Reading stories of others going through a similar experience of chemotherapy can be extremely helpful. You’ll find an abundance of cancer and chemotherapy blogs on the web. You might even consider creating your own. Knowing you are part of a community, and that you are not alone, could make your own recovery just a little bit easier.
Three popular blog sites:
- Tranquil music
Your favorite music is key to putting you in a good mood. Ideally, the type of music you play should conjure up feelings of peace, tranquility, relaxation, harmony, and calm. There are endless sources on the web for this type of music. Or you can simply turn on the radio. Classical music is always a good choice, but even then, it’s all personal choice. Use music to make you happy and lift your spirits.
- Happy movies
Having a laugh can be a great tool to lift your spirits and help you feel happier. For help in finding movies, search online for the top 100 comedies of all time, or watch some of your old favorites.
- Deep breaths
Deep breaths and fresh air can work wonders when you’re not feeling so well, and can help calm your mind and spirit. You can even practice channeling your breath into the painful parts of your body to help you deal with the discomfort. Be aware of the length of your inhalations and exhalations. This will help you find a natural relaxed breath, and may help you sleep better. Do make sure you are warm enough if you are venturing outdoors.
- Favorite things
Whether it’s music, a TV show or movie, a comfy sweater or slippers, talks with your close friend, strolling with a pet, long naps, or a walk in the park—whatever makes you happy—now is the time to do it.
- Hugs
Sounds simple, doesn’t it? But sometimes the simple things mean the most.
