A life-threatening illness can seem overwhelming. It’s easy to get so focused on fighting the disease that we lose sight of everything else. We fall into busy routines: trips to the hospital and the pharmacy and keeping up with the medications and treatments. However, while we’re trying to strengthen our bodies for the fight to health, we sometimes forget to strengthen our souls. Caring for your spiritual and mental health is as important as caring for your body. Adcare Home Health Services invites you to explore the different ways you can take care of yourself, both body and mind.
Call on a Higher Power
You’re in a war for your health. You’re armed with the best medical science can offer. But don’t overlook your spiritual toolkit as well. Prayer can be a big help when you’re facing a serious illness. Asking a higher power for help allows us to admit we can’t do this on our own. It can be humbling, but asking for help reminds us that we’re only a small part of a larger cosmic plan.
Prayer helps us to accept what is happening and to call upon a strength greater than ourselves. Studies have shown that people who pray reported better health outcomes than people who did not. Ask your loved ones to pray for you as well. It will help you to feel less alone in your struggle, and there is some evidence that the distant prayers of other people may actually have a positive impact on a patient’s healing process.
Meditate
The flip side of prayer is meditation. Even for people who are not active members of a religious structure, meditation confers tangible physiological benefits for your health.
Studies show it lowers heart rate and respiration, making you more resilient to the effects of stress. It allows you to release your worries and concerns and focus on sensation, the messages your body is sending to you.
If you’re a beginner, try using guided meditation. There are free apps and websites that will guide you through this process. Enroll in a yoga course or take your meditation outdoors. Evidence suggests that exposure to natural green spaces promotes healing and boosts immune function. Take opportunities to spend time outside, whether it’s in an area with a high walk score near your home or between appointments.
Alternatively, you could bring some plant life into your home. Even just looking at a photo of plants or nature can work wonders for your mood, but the real thing is best. Try to sprinkle a little of each around your home if possible.
Stretch It Out
Stretching is not just for when you’re tired. It can be a powerful way to relax and relieve stress. Take a moment to stretch your body and feel the benefits.
In addition to releasing some of that tension and stress, stretching can help alleviate pain and stiffness and help promote circulation. Fortunately, you don’t have to purchase any special equipment or gear to make the most of stretching — some of the best techniques you can do while sitting down!
If you’re feeling a bit nervous about trying out new workouts without any prior guidance, it’s a good idea to consult with a doctor and consider starting with some physical therapy. And hey, guess what? Many insurance policies actually cover physical therapy when it’s related to an existing medical condition. And if you’re worried about the cost of insurance, look into subsidized programs available in your state. They can make insurance more affordable than you might think. So go ahead, do some research, and make decisions that are right for you.
Care for Your Body
When you’re going through the pain of your sickness, it’s crucial to take care of yourself and stay strong. Make sure to eat well and nourish your body with good food. Get moving and stay active to build up your strength, and if you need it, don’t hesitate to ask your doc for some help. Don’t forget, there are loads of ways to alleviate pain besides just popping pills. Keep fighting, you’ve got this!
Growing dependent on pain medications can be a profound concern for cancer patients. The side effects of opioid pain relievers, such as addictive tendencies, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and respiratory depression, can exacerbate the challenges they already face. However, it’s important to explore every available avenue of support. Research suggests that faith can play a significant role in mitigating the risk of addiction in religious individuals, and even for those who do become addicted, they may be less prone to relapse. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey.
There are alternatives to traditional western pain medication. You might consider acupuncture, massage, or cupping to help manage pain. Talk to your doctor about options that are available to you for pain management or pain relief.
You should also make sure your living space is as clean as possible. A clean environment will help you breathe better by eliminating irritants that can worsen illness. Ask a loved one to help you clean, or hire a cleaning service, but request them to use carcinogen-free cleaning products. You may be surprised by how many commonly purchased products have cancer-causing ingredients. Click on this link to learn more about products with cancer causing ingredients.
Regularly replace your air filters with high-quality ones, so that you’re safe from the harmful effects of dust, mold, pollen, dander, and smoke. Breathing clean air can also improve the spiritual experience of practicing meditation and yoga.
Reconnect with Old Friends
Receiving a cancer diagnosis can undoubtedly feel overwhelming, as it brings forth a whirlwind of emotions. However, amidst these challenges, reaching out to old friends can serve as a powerful source of comfort and support. Reconnecting with companions from the past helps create a sense of togetherness, reminding us of cherished memories and bringing joy to our hearts even in the face of adversity.
Thanks to alumni websites like this one, finding and reconnecting with these long-lost friends has become easier than ever before, enabling the rekindling of meaningful connections. Furthermore, nurturing our spiritual relationship and drawing strength from the love and support of a faith community can provide solace, purpose, and resilience to face the journey towards reclaiming our health. Embracing these valuable tools empowers individuals to continue fighting with unwavering determination.
Rest assured that Adcare Home Health Services is here to be your unwavering companion and constant support throughout these challenging times. Count on our dedicated staff to provide the guidance and care you need. Learn more about our comprehensive services by clicking here.
