Labor Day Weekend is approaching and there’s never been a better reminder to kick back and do something nice for yourself. When it comes to facing lung cancer, it can be easy to forget how to relax. Taking care of yourself and your needs, whether you are caring for someone with lung cancer or have it yourself, is incredibly important. While there is no one-size-fits all approach to self-care, here are some tips that might help you unwind:

  • Try Healing Breath: The cancer process is likely to cause anxiety (you are not alone – this is normal). It is in these stressful moments that relaxation techniques like healing breath are incredibly useful. Here’s how it works: Sit down and put your chin to your chest. Breath out short, little burst 10 times. Then take a deep breath in through the nose and out through the lips, making an “Ah” sound as you exhale. Repeat this a couple times. Click here for a video demonstrating healing breath. (Source)
  • Get a Massage: Massage offers a caring, safe touch, as well as, pain relief, which generally produces a “relaxation response.” The relaxation response is a state in which your heart and breathing rate slow, your blood pressure goes down, your production of stress hormones decreases and your muscles relax. The relaxation response also seems to increase the available level of serotonin, which is a chemical in the body that positively affects emotions and thoughts. (Source)
  • Do Some Yoga: Yoga brings together physical and mental disciplines that may help you achieve peacefulness of body and mind. This can help you relax and manage stress and anxiety. In fact, many oncologists and cancer organizations are recommending yoga and exercise as part of cancer recovery and management plans. Yoga has many styles, forms and intensities, including Oncology Yoga tailored to address specific needs of cancer survivors. (Source)
  • Go Outside: Being in nature, or even viewing scenes of nature, reduces anger, fear, and stress and increases pleasant feelings. Exposure to nature not only makes you feel better emotionally, it contributes to your physical well-being by reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones. So take a walk, go for a hike or just take a seat in your backyard! (Source)

If you have questions about lung cancer or what you are going through, we’re here for you. Contact our HelpLine at support@go2.org or 1-800-298-2436.