So you were just diagnosed with cancer, or maybe you’ve battled a diagnosis for a few years.  What do you do next? Aside from regular doctors appointments and possibly adjusting your schedule to accommodate chemotherapy treatments and a potential decrease in energy, it’s important to remember the importance of giving your body exactly what it needs. Self-care, especially in the midst of cancer treatment, is worth it. Check out these 7 self-care tips. Your body will thank you.

01 Prioritize your alone time.

Introverts and extroverts alike will likely need time to be alone in a quiet and comfortable place. Stomaching a new diagnosis or a new week of treatments can be emotionally, physically, and mentally taxing. Be sure to give yourself the time you need away from friends and family to rest. They will understand.

02 Spend time in meditation.

Whether you find your center through yoga, prayer, or writing in a journal, plan to spend a little time each day meditating. It’s said to help reduce stress, increase your quality of life, and it helps to promote good quality sleep, all are wonderful things to experience during cancer treatment!

03 Embrace your hobbies.

Do you have a hobby you enjoy? If so, embrace it! Buy the extra accessory you’ve been eyeing. Sign up for the painting class offered at the community center. When you’re feeling up to it, enjoy the things in life that bring you happiness! Or, maybe you’re in the market for a fresh new hobby. Now is a great time to try something you’ve never tried! Take up knitting, piano, golf, or learn a new language. Want a few more hobby suggestions? Click here.

04 Give back.

Spend time helping those less fortunate than you. Volunteer at a homeless shelter or a food bank, or if you’re feeling strong enough, help pick up trash in your city. If you’re feeling under the weather and still want to give back, be a mentor or donate your time and skills to a worthy organization.

05 Seek financial guidance.

Here at Pack Health, our team of Health Advisors are trained in financial social work and can help you plan your finances if you’d like assistance. Planning for your health is so important. Want to hear more on this? Click here to listen to a webinar we hosted with NeedyMeds titled, “Why Do I Need a Health Spending Plan, Really?”.

06 Meet new people.

Find a group of folks on your same walk of life. You’d be surprised how uplifting and motivating it can be! Join a book club (or start one), find a walking group, or join a new study at church. These new friends, whether they’re battling cancer or not, are bound to be battling something. Offer a listening ear and you’re likely to receive one in return.

07 Treat yourself to healthy, healing foods.

Fuel your body with the nutrients it loves and needs, especially during treatment. However, you’re likely to experience discomfort during or after treatment and in that case, don’t push it! Only do what your body will tolerate. If you’re only feeling up for a cold milkshake, go for it! Don’t carry food guilt, your body is under enough stress.

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Try it yourself:

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