Coping with Stress

Coping with Stress
What is stress?
What can worsen my stress?
Tips for reducing stress
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What is stress?

Stress is our body’s way of reacting to something that we think is dangerous or that is a challenge to us. Normally when you are stressed, your body releases hormones to get it ready to act and to help our bodies to run away from danger or to fight it. But if we have too much stress in our life, it may have a negative impact on our health as it can cause depression, high blood pressure, headaches and stomach problems. 

Coping with cancer is always challenging. Added stress from work, family, or financial concerns can also make coping with a cancer diagnosis more difficult. 

What can worsen my stress?

  • Negativity, sadness and fear
  • Anger or feeling irritable
  • Avoiding social interactions
  • Concerns about cancer progression or how it is affecting one’s family
  • Physical problems such as poor appetite, fatigue and insufficient sleep.
  • Financial worries
  • Doubts about treatment success rate or reoccurrence of cancer
  • Trouble concentrating or remembering things
  • Fear of death

Tips for reducing stress

  • Do things you enjoy 
  • Make a diary on what you have done every day 
  • Stay active and exercise regularly 
  • Go outside for a walk 
  • Get sufficient sleep 
  • Avoid conflicts  
  • Seek help from a counsellor  
  • Join a support group 
  • Prioritise your tasks 
  • Be aware of your limits 
  • Concentrate your efforts on things you can control 
  • Relaxation techniques  
    • Deep breathing  
    • Mental imagery by visualizing relaxing images in your mind
    • Progressive muscle relaxation  
    • Meditation to relax your mind  
    • Biofeedback allows you to relax and control your body's response to stress by paying attention to signals from the body 
    • Yoga help promote relaxation and reduce fatigue