Ten Simple Ways to Live Happy & Healthy During and After Cancer

When you have cancer, a huge part of your life is put on hold. You lose the ability to do many things you enjoyed doing in the past and are often restricted in what you can do. But even if cancer steals part of your life, there is still hope. With the right treatment and medicines, you can manage your disease while remaining happy and healthy. In this article, ten easy-to-follow tips are listed for happy and healthy living during and after cancer treatment.

1. Eat a Balanced Diet

Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is crucial for everyone, but it holds even greater significance for individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer. Patients who are battling cancer often experience changes in their appetite, taste preferences, and digestive system as a result of the disease and treatment, which can hinder their ability to consume nutritious food. However, consuming a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help improve their overall well-being and maintain strength. It is also advisable to limit the intake of processed foods, sugar, and alcohol, and to remain well-hydrated during cancer treatments. It is always best to consult an oncology dietitian to get diet plans tailored to your needs.

A personalized diet plan can help individuals maintain their optimal weight, strength, and energy levels to withstand potent cancer treatments. It can also provide the necessary nutrients to support the proper functioning of the body, boost the immune system to fight infections, and aid in the management of side effects. Ultimately, adopting a healthy and balanced diet can help cancer patients feel better and support their overall health and well-being.

2. Exercise Often

Incorporating regular exercise into your routine can provide a range of benefits for managing stress, boosting mood, increasing energy levels, and improving overall health during and after cancer treatment. Starting with low-impact exercises like walking or gentle yoga is recommended, gradually increasing intensity as strength builds. Prior to beginning any exercise regimen, it is important to consult with your doctor.

Regular exercise can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, improve physical function including strength, endurance, and flexibility, minimize treatment side effects such as fatigue and depression, lower the risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis, which are common in cancer survivors, improve mental health and reduce stress and anxiety, enhance the overall quality of life, and promote restful sleep.

Please note that exercise programs for cancer patients should be tailored to each individual's abilities and limitations. Patients should talk to their healthcare team to develop a safe and effective exercise program that takes into account their medical history, current physical condition, and treatment plan.

3. Get Enough Rest

For individuals undergoing cancer treatment, rest is an essential part of the healing process. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule and getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night, while taking daytime naps if necessary, can aid in recovery. Creating a relaxing sleep environment, such as a dark, quiet, and cool room, is also crucial. It is recommended to avoid consuming caffeine or alcohol in the evening or before bedtime, as this can disturb sleep patterns. Practising relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation, as well as engaging in regular exercise can also help alleviate stress and promote relaxation before bedtime.

Getting enough rest promotes healing and recovery, boosts immune function, reduces stress and anxiety, improves mental health, increases energy levels, and reduces feelings of exhaustion. For cancer patients, getting enough rest is especially important due to the fatigue, sleep disturbances, and emotional stress that may result from treatment. If experiencing difficulty sleeping or managing fatigue, it is important to seek guidance and support from a healthcare team. They may offer additional strategies or interventions to help improve sleep quality and manage symptoms.

4. Find Freedom from Psychological Distress

Patients with cancer may experience psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and stress, which can have negative effects on their health and well-being. Find ways to manage stress, such as practising meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or joining support groups. Avoiding anxiety-triggering situations such as watching the news or spending time with negative people can also help.

Talk to a healthcare professional about your psychological symptoms. They can refer you to a mental health professional who can provide counselling or other treatments. Therapy options such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can be beneficial in managing psychological distress and improving coping skills. Engaging in regular exercise also helps improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. You can also consider medication to manage psychological symptoms. Talk to your healthcare team about medication options and their potential benefits and side effects.

Please remember that seeking support for psychological illness is a sign of strength, not weakness. Cancer treatment can be challenging, and it is normal to experience psychological distress. With the right support and treatment, cancer patients can improve their mental health and overall well-being.