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As a breast cancer survivor, you’ve accomplished something truly amazing—you beat cancer. However, the emotional and physical toll that fighting cancer takes on you can make it difficult to enjoy your victory. It’s important to be kind to yourself during this time. Emotional, spiritual, and mental self-care will allow you to retain your strength and positivity. 

The I Beat Breast Cancer Blog creates a safe space for breast cancer survivors, providing support and advice. This guide provides self-care tips for survivors like yourself.

Create a stress-free home environment
Make your home into a place where you can rest, relax, and recharge. RedFin provides a guide to creating a stress-free space. Start by eliminating clutter, which can spark anxiety. To create a soothing atmosphere, let in more natural light and place plants throughout the home. An oil diffuser is another worthy investment, allowing you to harness the power of aromatherapy for relaxation.

Embrace healthy eating geared towards healing
A balanced diet will give your body the vitamins and minerals needed to heal after cancer. Incorporate 2.5 cups of fresh vegetables and fruits into your daily diet, along with plenty of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, low-fat proteins, and healthy carbohydrates, like whole grains and legumes. Good nutrition will give you energy and help you maintain a healthy weight.

Look for ways to work out at home
Regular physical activity will help you regain your strength as you heal. While you might not have the energy to go to a gym yet, there are plenty of workouts you can do at home. For example, simple chair exercises allow you to work out key muscle groups in your arms, legs, and core. Yoga is another great exercise you can do at home.
Set aside a space specifically for relaxation or meditation
Going through cancer is stressful and can leave you with feelings of anxiety even after you’re healed. According to Healthline, meditation is proven to reduce stress and anxiety. Create a quiet space at home where you can step away from the world and meditate. If meditation isn’t for you, try simply listening to soothing music. Invest in a pair of high-quality headphones to block out extraneous noise. Verizon has options at various price points.

Commit to spending more time in nature
Spending more time outdoors can also help promote good mental health after a cancer diagnosis. Studies suggest that spending time outside can reinvigorate a tired brain and alleviate mental distress. Activities like hiking are a great way to get outside and surround yourself with soothing nature while also getting some fresh air and physical activity.

Establish a reliable support network
Many cancer survivors experience feelings of loneliness and isolation. You may feel like your friends and family—supportive as they may be—don’t really understand what you’re going through. Joining a breast cancer support group can help. The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., has tips for finding a support group, such as going through the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Survivors Network.

Seek additional mental help if needed
While a support group can be helpful, it may not offer the full level of mental help you need. If you are struggling with issues like anxiety or depression, consider seeking professional mental health assistance. It’s normal to feel sad or angry after a cancer diagnosis. A therapist can help you work through these feelings and regain a sense of positivity. While it will take time to heal emotionally, seeking help is the first step.
Recovering from breast cancer isn’t just about the physical. There are also mental components to account for. The above guide provides a holistic approach to self-care that can help you regain your emotional and physical wellbeing.

For more content like this, check out the I Beat Breast Cancer blog.

Best,

Craig Meadows