Care for yourself

Tuesday 30 November, 2010

Reviewed: Annie Angle, cancer nurse (Dip. Oncology Nursing, Royal Marsden, London) 

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Put yourself first when you need to

Think of yourself and your own needs. Take time out when you need it, and rest when you're tired. This is as important for carers as it is for people with cancer.

Allow yourself to say ‘No!' to things you can't cope with, or to visitors you simply do not want to see. Or get someone else to say ‘No!' for you. Talking to one of our nurses on 13 11 20 may help reassure you.  

Eat a balanced diet

Sometimes you may not feel much like eating or preparing good food. But eating a balanced diet (even if you don't eat a lot) will help you to feel as well as possible. The dietitian at your treatment centre can provide information on diet.

Exercise

Even gentle exercise can help you to loosen up, release tension and feel better and more relaxed. Some people find that jogging - long, slow, regular running - is good. Others prefer walking, swimming or some other activity.

If you have cancer, check with your doctor before you start an exercise program. See our nutrition and exercise pages.

Get enough sleep

Relaxation techniques can help you sleep. If you're lying awake worrying about something you haven't done, get up and do it, or watch some television, or read - then try sleeping again. If you have a sleep problem that's worrying you, ask your doctor for help or for a referral to a sleep clinic.

Organise your time

Don't try to do everything. Concentrate on doing the things that really matter, and forget about less important things. Try making lists of the most important things to be done. 

Accept help

Accept any offers of help. Most people really want to help, but often don't know how to. Make a ‘to do' list and see who can help you work through it. Ask a friend to drive you to hospital, cook meals, pick up the kids, walk the dog, clean the house, hang out the washing, etc. 

Do things you enjoy

Keep up your hobbies. Try to get out of the house regularly, even if only for short outings. See a funny film - laughing is a wonderful way of feeling good, even if it is the last thing you thought you could do. Or escape into some music for a while - anything you find relaxing or satisfying. 

Seek religious or spiritual support

Religion is an important source of support for some people. Talk to someone who represents the faith you respect. Don't be put off just because you have not attended formal services regularly, or because you're not sure what you believe. Their concern is to help you sort through your ideas, doubts and beliefs and find peace of mind.

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