Take Five
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