Managing Stress

Stress is the body’s response to physical, mental, or emotional pressure. Stress causes chemical changes in the body that can raise blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar levels. Stress can also lead to digestive problems, fertility problems, urinary problems, and a weakened immune system. Stress may impact cancer survivors in various ways. If cancer survivors do not manage stress with effective techniques, then the stress can lead to behaviors that can cause harm to the body or result in a decreased quality of life. According to Cancer.gov, those that use effective stress management techniques typically see less depression, anxiety and symptoms related to cancer and its treatment.

Managing Stress:

1. Be observant. Recognize the signs of your body’s response to stress. This may show itself in your life through low energy, insomnia, low temper, increased use of alcohol and other drugs.
2. Talk to your health care provider or a health professional. If stress has become a part of your life, express this concern to your provider. Early intervention could result in less stress sooner than later.
3. Get regular exercise. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of exercise per week. This could be 30 minutes a day for 5 days or about 21 minutes a day for 7 days. Exercise has been known to release mood-boosting endorphins.
4. Try a relaxing activity. There are many ways to relax. A few ways that we love are bike rides, meditation, deep breathing, massage, music and yoga. Explore what feels good to you and incorporate it into your life.
5. Set goals and priorities. By setting goals and priorities, you can determine what’s most important to you and may decide not to worry about things that are not on your list of priorities.
6. Stay connected. You are not alone. Keep in touch with people who can provide emotional support and practical help. To reduce stress, ask for help from friends, family, and community or religious organizations.
7. Consider a clinical trial. Researchers are interested in learning more about the intersection of cancer and stress. View clinical trials at georgiacancerinfo.org/clinical-trials/georgia

Adapted from the National Institute of Mental Health

Last Updated: 10/29/2020 12:13:48 PM

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