10 ways to handle stress and shock when diagnosed with breast cancer!

“The effects of a diagnosis are understandably significant. It is important to balance the mind and the body for optimum recovery. Below are10 steps to focus the mind and deactivate your body’s stress response.

  1. Learn the skill of mindfulness: Train your mind to focus on the present rather than the potential bleak months ahead. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
  2. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude: Compile a list of all to be grateful for and review each day.
  3. Laughter is the best medicine: Laughter brings the mind into the present-watch movies, meet friends.
  4. Take a breath: Take slow deep breaths- this can quickly de-stress an anxious mind.
  5. Visualize: Find the quiet place, visualize yourself back in full health. The subconscious mind will help support the healing process.
  6. Let it all out: Emotions need to expressed- shout, stamp your feet, or even find a new hobby. It’s important a way to move forward.
  7. Stand Tall: Your posture impacts your mental health. Standing tall triggers pride in your body.
  8. Where focus goes energy flows: Are you spending all the time thinking about your diagnosis or planning your recovery?
  9. Mind what you say: being positive and optimistic plays enormous role in recovery- use language to reflect that.
  10. Get out more: Connecting with friends and family in social setting helps the body to release oxytocin that in turn increases feelings of happiness and closeness.”*

 

*Thank you TheMindCoach.ie for the helpful tips.

Posted in Tips.