Coping/Healing Tips

The Three “W’s”: Improved health for everyone

WATER

One of the easiest and most important life style changes you can make to improve your health is to drink more water. Our fast paced lifestyles include soda pop, coffee and alcohol as the current beverage of choice. Please add at least one glass of water every time you enjoy your favorite beverage. It will really make a difference, since water is the most important fluid on the planet and in your body. Eventually, you will find yourself reaching for water, instead of a less healthy beverage!

If you are currently on chemo, it is especially important to flush the toxins out of your body with water. I eliminated all soda from my diet by switching to carbonated water with natural flavors (not the ones with sugar or sugar substitutes added.) Rather than try to think about drinking 8 glasses of water a day (which may be overwhelming), just drink a glass of water with what you are already drinking. Water is the most amazing, purifying fluid that exists. (Try to make sure it is purified if at all possible) Interestingly, if you are never thirsty for water, it is a sign your body is already dehydrated. The more you drink water, the more you will have cravings for fresh water!

WALKING

If you are undergoing cancer treatment, it is very difficult to do a workout routine because of the pain and intense fatigue. However, someone once gave me a tip: “keep moving Sharon!” It was great advice because I found the more time I spent on the couch, the more time I spent on the couch!!! The fatigue can easily immobilize you, and it is important to fight that feeling and get your body moving.

Waling is the best overall exercise that exists in my opinion, and this is coming from a runner, biker, swimmer, aerobics instructor and tennis player. No equipment is needed other that a supportive pair of walking shoes. It can be done by anyone, anywhere and it is FREE. The fatigue can be oppressive during and after cancer treatment, but I found I had more energy by adding a walk to my daily routine. Make your walk very short (1/4 mile) to being with, and increase your walking distance and frequency over time.

Your walks are a great time to meditate, think about how your body is healing and fighting the cancer. It is even more rewarding to share your walk with a soothing, healing music, a friend or even a pet. Studies have shown that people that own a pets are less lonely, have lower blood pressure, and overall better health that their non pet owner counter parts. Maybe it is due to the walks!! However, please consider the ownership responsibilities and pick a pet appropriate for your lifestyle if you consider adding a wonderful animal to your life.

WRITING

I started writing about my life experiences the day I was diagnosed with cancer, and I have not stopped 6 years later. I find journaling to be extremely rewarding and a great outlet expressing my anger, my fears and my tears. My journal is a place to vent my frustrations: my body changes, my recurring cancer, the brutal cancer treatments, my loss of friendships, and loss of lifestyle. I have learned so much about myself by looking back at what I have written one week ago, one month ago, and one year ago. I can see what I have overcome and what issues I am still struggling with. It is also a good way to document how my body is coping with certain treatments, side effects and overall wellbeing.

I have several tips to being journaling:

Purchase a beautiful journal with a cover that has meaning to you i.e. flowers, landscapes

Purchase a special pen that will be used only for journaling. I love roller ball pens.

Your first words may be difficult. To start the process, think of something positive that happened to you today. After time, you will find thoughts and feelings pour out of you onto the paper! You may even find it helpful to show portions of your journal to loved ones or your counselor if you are not comfortable speaking about an issue. Words are very powerful and I have used this tool many times. When I was ready to share something important to a loved one for my growth, I used my journal and the written word to start the discussion. .

I also like to use the journal on my sad days. I look back at all the things that have happened to me and my body and suddenly realize, “it is OK to have a sad day. Look at what I have been through.” Only I can truly understand what cancer has done to my life. Cancer has brought a lot of pain and difficulties, but it has also brought special people into my life, and made my relationships much closer with my loved ones. Sometimes I do not realize something until it stares right back at me in the written word. Journaling is a very powerful tool and I strongly encourage each of you to try it. In addition to the mental relief you will obtain, I have also read several studies that show journaling can lessen pain and promote healing in chronic illnesses.

Home