Mind-Body Wellness for Cancer Patients
Cancer is stressful to mental, emotional and sleep health. Did you know that you can help yourself cope by creating inner relaxation and shifting the way you think? This is called mind-body wellness and it’s developed through practicing mindfulness.
Research shows that mindfulness-based interventions can decrease cancer-related emotional distress, fatigue, pain, and nausea while improving sleep and an overall sense of well-being.
Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment – thoughts, feelings and senses – with openness and curiosity, and without judgment. There are a variety of techniques that can help you create this mindset and strengthen your mind-body health.
If you're a patient or caregiver at St. Luke's Cancer Institute and would like to practice mindfulness skills in person with a licensed clinical social worker, please call your St. Luke's Cancer Institute treatment location in Boise, Fruitland, Meridian, Nampa, or Twin Falls and ask for the social work department.
Optimism is a hopeful, positive outlook on the future, yourself, and the world around you. It's a key part of resilience, the inner strength that helps you in tough times.
Nurture a happier self with gratitude, practicing the recognition of positive aspects of your life to distract from your misfortunes.
Laughter can shift your mind from medical memories and worries to the present moment. It also increases endorphins, the feel-good brain chemical, which helps decrease physical pain.
Mobile Apps
Mobile apps can be helpful in improving mind-body habits because they offer convenient programs, built-in encouragement, and timely motivational reminders. In choosing an app, consider your budget and the content developer’s training and credentials; you'll want to make sure it offers evidence-based strategies.
Most apps have a free-trial period and then offer a subscription, while some are entirely free of charge. Please contact the St. Luke’s Cancer Institute social work department at your care location for further guidance in finding a mobile app to support your mind-body wellness.
