Ways to relieve stress for cancer patients

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Relieve stress caused by cancer will be more difficult when the patient has to face pressure from work and family. Long-term stress weakens the immune system and causes health problems.

1. How does stress affect cancer patients?

Several studies have shown a link between various psychological factors and an increased risk of developing cancer.
This connection can arise in a number of ways. For example, people under stress may develop certain behaviors, such as smoking, overeating, or drinking alcohol, which increase a person's risk for cancer.
People who try to relieve their psychological stress with risky behaviors such as smoking or drinking or becoming more sedentary may have a poorer quality of life after cancer treatment.
In contrast, some people can effectively cope with stress, such as relaxation and psychotherapy, which has been shown to reduce depression, anxiety and related symptoms to cancer and its treatment. However, there is no evidence that successfully managing psychological stress can improve survival in cancer patients.
Some evidence from other experimental studies suggests that psychological stress may affect tumor growth and spread.
Stressors are often the cause of stress. Some stressors are predictable, sometimes even preventable. Small changes in lifestyle can also help reduce a large amount of stress in the surrounding life.

2. Methods to relieve stress for cancer patients

Avoid timetable conflicts. Use your day planner or phone or online calendar to schedule appointments and daily activities. Do not set up too many tasks in a day or a week, especially jobs that require preparation time. If schedule management is exhausting for the patient, ask someone you trust for help to review your schedule. Know the limits of your abilities. If you don't have the time, energy, or passion, politely decline to take on additional work. Also don't feel guilty for this rejection. Facing cancer is one of life's biggest challenges so make time for the things that matter most. At work, don't volunteer for projects that might overwhelm you. If the guilt is still there, you can ask for a more appropriate assignment. Maybe take on small pieces of a big job, or ask for more time to get the job done. Ask for help. It makes sense to ask for help from family members, friends, and co-workers. People will ask for help, so you need to determine in advance what you will need help with. Everyone will have different ways of helping. For example, family and friends will help with shopping, preparing meals, or picking up kids at school... Align priorities. Make a list of everyday tasks, such as work at work and housework. Order these tasks by their importance, considering the things you have to do and the things that are most important to you. If you don't have time to do everything, focus on the tasks at the top of the list. Break the work into smaller steps. Sometimes a big job can be completed by small steps taken in chronological order. This process can make it easier to solve seemingly complex problems. For example, instead of spending an afternoon cleaning the entire house, clean one or two rooms a day. Focus your efforts on what you can control. A stressor can come from a job you can't change or control, even if you had the best plan to do it. People who can be flexible in life are less stressed. Sometimes the only controllable aspect of facing a problem is our attitude towards it. If it helps, think about it and save your energy for more important things. Get help with financial problems. Talk to a qualified social worker or financial professional about insurance and how to handle cancer-related financial issues. Don't wait or hesitate to seek financial help because bills and debts will quickly become too much for you to pay. Read more about cost management in cancer treatment. Exercise more often. Exercise like walking for 30 minutes a day for a few days a week can help reduce stress. Talk to your doctor before starting an exercise plan. Read on for more tips and tricks on fitness.

Take time to go out. If possible, spend time walking in the park or in other natural environments. Sunlight, fresh air and sounds of nature will brighten the day. Schedule social activities. Taking time to socialize with family and friends is a good way to relieve stress. Good diet. Maintaining a healthy diet and getting enough rest will give you plenty of energy to face the stressors that occur on a daily basis. Read more articles about nutrition during cancer treatment. Get enough sleep. Try to sleep at least 7 hours a day, naps during the day can also help. If you have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about the best way to deal with your sleep-related problems. Join a help group. A support group will give you the opportunity to talk about your feelings and fears with people who can share and understand what you're going through. Can be shared with close friends, counselors or social workers. You can learn more about support groups where you live. Plan to relax every day. Take time to do things you feel comfortable like reading, listening to music.. Doing things you enjoy. Eat meals at your favorite restaurants, watch your favorite shows. Laughter helps relieve stress, watch comedies or read funny books. Write diary. Write down the pressures and events in your life, which will help you relieve stress. Practice a new habit. Practicing a new challenge will give you a sense of fulfillment and make you forget about your daily worries. For example learning to play a musical instrument... Learn and practice relaxation techniques. You can do these techniques daily or during certain stressful times such as: relaxation and deep breathing exercises, viewing or imagining relaxing images, relaxing muscles, meditating, exercising yoga.

Psychological Clinic - Vinmec International General Hospital officially came into operation in April 2019, has the function of examining, consulting and outpatient treatment of psychological problems and psychological health. With modern equipment, Vinmec Psychological Health Clinic is currently cooperating with experienced professors and experts:
MSc. Doctor Nguyen Van Phi - Psychologist, Vinmec Times City International Hospital: with 7 years of experience working as a lecturer in Psychiatry - Hanoi Medical University, Doctor Psychiatrist at Hanoi Medical University Hospital & Central Geriatric Hospital, and a member of the Vietnam Psychiatric Association. MSc. Dr. Pham Thanh Luan - Psychiatrist, Vinmec Times City International Hospital: with 5 years of experience in research and treatment of Psychiatric diseases, trained at prestigious universities professional practice in the French Republic. MSc. Doctor Nguyen Trong Hien - Psychiatrist, Vinmec Times City International Hospital: with 6 years as a lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry - Hanoi Medical University and Central Geriatric Hospital, together with Dr. Experience in research and treatment of diseases in Psychiatry such as: Emotional disorders, stress related disorders and body dysmorphic disorders, developmental disorders in children, adolescents & childbirth .... Along with the combination of implementing psychological tests, intensive psychotherapy for diagnosis and treatment, in order to bring the best medical examination and treatment effect.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.