Stress: [noun]: a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense; difficulty that causes worry or emotional tension, sited from Webster’s dictionary. Stress is an inevitable part of our lives. Add a diagnosis of cancer on top of our already challenging routines, and it becomes vitally important for us to find ways to relax. Stress, if allowed to build up, may have more serious health consequences. Emotional stress may affect a person’s ability to take a proactive role in their health and healing and affects their ability to engage in healthy behaviors.
People often ask whether stress caused and/or contributed to one’s cancer diagnosis or interfered with their healing process. Many researchers have tried to determine how stress affects the immune system. In one article, “The Link Between Stress and Cancer” in the New York Times, the authors noted a “Tenuous connection between stress, the immune system and cancer…it appears that cancer cells make proteins that actually tell the immune system to let them alone and even to help them grow.”
How does one reduce stress in their life? First of all, there are the obvious choices: slow down, learn to say “no”, get a good night’s sleep, maintain and/or establish a strong support network, exercise regularly and eat healthy. All of these choices allow your body to be in a healthier, more relaxed state. You must make a conscious decision to engage in these healthy behaviors.
Many other complementary therapies help alleviate stress and emotional discomfort and instill a sense of inner peace. Some options include acupuncture, yoga, counseling and support groups, meditation, guided imagery, biofeedback, art therapy, Reiki and Qi Gong and reflexology. Treat yourself to something new. Identify at least two techniques that help you relax.
weSPARK Cancer Support Center offers many programs that facilitate stress relief and healing.
To find out more about our free programs or to schedule an intake, please call Lori at 661-288-2322 or visit our website at www.weSPARK.org .