Woman drinking tea and reading on a couch

Author: Dr. Jennifer K. Renshaw, OTD, OTR/L, OTA/L

Have you ever experienced a racing heart, sweaty palms, sleeplessness, worry, headaches, nervousness, decreased focus, or even full body anxiety? As you learn to live with lung cancer and manage all that it can bring, fear of the unknown can overwhelm your body and you may feel any of these troubling symptoms.  

Your body has seven sensory systems. These systems receive and process information similar to a switchboard. When the switchboard becomes overloaded with information, your body’s “fight or flight” response is activated to protect you from harm. This can result in some or all the symptoms mentioned above. Although these feelings can be distressing, there are strategies you can use to calm overwhelming and anxious feelings when they begin to occur. 

The Vestibular System 

The vestibular system is responsible for information received through the inner ear. This involves how your body processes and responds to movement. On days when you feel sluggish or unfocused, increasing movement can help. Walking, gentle rocking in a chair, marching in place, or swinging are great ways to regulate your vestibular system. I personally enjoy a swinging hammock chair.  

The Proprioceptive System 

The proprioceptive system includes sensory receptors in the muscles, joints, and internal tissues. It provides information to your brain about the position of your body. If you enjoy tight hugs and heavy blankets for comfort, physical activity is something that may calm your body. Activities can include pushing and pulling a wheelbarrow, gardening, or lifting heavy items such as groceries. If you prefer more leisurely activities, you may find your calm through practicing tai chi or yoga, reading a book with a weighted lap blanket, or sleeping with a larger weighted blanket. Guided breathing exercises are also helpful and can be accessed through apps or YouTube.  

The Tactile System 

The tactile system is very powerful when it comes to how our body receives information through skin receptors. We all have fabric preferences and materials that feel the best against our skin. This may be a special sweater, pajamas, or fuzzy socks that bring you comfort. An option to consider is the type of non-slip rug you have at your bedside. Enjoying the first thing your feet feel when you get off the bed can be the start of an amazing day. You may also experience fidgeting during periods of stress. Many fidget toys are available to decrease stress behaviors such a nail biting, picking, and feeling as if you are going to “jump out of your skin.”   

The Auditory and Visual Systems 

Auditory systems relate to the way our ears process information while visual systems relate to incoming information through the eyes. When your body feels overwhelmed, you may be extra sensitive to bright lights and loud noises. An environment with low noise and dimmable lights can provide a nice space to relax. Adding meditation through apps can also create a sense of peace. Simply playing your favorite music can change your mood, too! Having a few minutes to reset your system in a space without distraction can help you to regain control when life feels chaotic. Having scheduled times to rest and reset also helps you to be your best self. This is helpful to remember when scheduling appointments. 

The Gustatory and Olfactory Systems 

The gustatory and olfactory systems are often overlooked but highly important. These systems provide our body with taste and smell receptors. It can be normal for your taste and smell to change as you receive certain cancer treatments. Being aware of these changes can create opportunities for you to explore options that work best through each season of treatment. Think about the texture and smell of foods that are comforting to you. With respect to smell, adding aromatherapy to your routine has many benefits and helps create a calm environment. 

Being overwhelmed and anxious are normal responses to stress. You are the expert on how your feelings affect your body. The use of sensory strategies to address these feelings may be the key to finding the calm needed to live your best life. If you would like to learn more about ways to address feelings of anxiety, contact your healthcare team or an occupational therapist for ideas to address your specific needs.

Dr. Jennifer K. Renshaw, OTD, OTR/L, OTA/L, is the director of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Cape Fear Community College. She has been an occupational therapy practitioner for 23 years in coastal North Carolina.  Her passion in wellness writing comes from a desire to help people do what they love while living through each season in the journey of life.  Dr. Renshaw spends her leisure time searching the beach for treasures, porch swinging with a glass of iced tea in hand, traveling, snuggling pets, and spending time with family.