A handful of tips can help you manage stress levels during a breast cancer journey

WHETHER YOU ARE RECENTLY DIAGNOSED with breast cancer or you’ve been in remission for five years, it’s important to take time for yourself. At many points in your breast cancer journey, you’re busy with appointments, treatments and regular day-to-day obligations. It’s crucial—now more than ever—that you plan for some “me” time.

Managing your stress can help you better handle each step of your breast cancer journey. “Natural stress reducers such as spa treatments, massages, exercise and support groups help women find balance and relaxation,” says Howard Murad, M.D., associate clinical professor of medicine at UCLA and founder of Murad, Inc. In fact, the benefits of emotional self-care have been established at both the psychological and cellular level, he says.

To better handle the stress that a breast cancer diagnosis may bring try these five tips to improve your emotional self-care:

1. Exercise regularly. Physical activity can help improve your physical health and mood, but check with your physician before beginning an exercise program during treatment.

2. Be social. Join a support group, or meet with positive, supportive friends with whom you can share your struggles and victories.

3. Improve your diet. Chemotherapy destroys good cells along with the bad. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants and vitamins, which help nourish your body and skin and stop the damage caused by free radicals.

4. Care for your skin. Schedule facial treatments at a Massage Envy Spa location or another spa near you. Murad’s Environmental Shield Vitamin C Infusion facial can help hydrate and heal damaged, dry skin.

5. Journal. Write down three good things in your life every day, Dr. Murad says. Focusing on the positive can greatly influence your mood and outlook.

—By Julie Wlodychak