Tips for Bad Days
When you have cancer you are going to have bad days.
Bad days happen
Sometimes they are related to blood cancer treatments and appointments, but some days you may just be depressed. We all have days like this, cancer or not, but having cancer can exacerbate those feelings.
Take a few deep breaths (breathe in for a count of 8, hold for a count of 8, then exhale for a count of 8 - be sure to be sitting in case this makes you lightheaded). Once you have done this, hopefully, you will feel a bit better.
Getting out might lift your mood
Then think about something you enjoy and do your best to get out and do it. It will change your mood and you just may end up having a wonderful day!
Sometimes you can’t go out. There are still a few things you can do that might help to make you feel better. Here are a few options you might like. I hope it helps!
Other suggestions to help you feel better
- Take a bath - Sometimes all you may need is to relax and have some quiet time and a little personal space. Taking a nice warm (or cool if that's your preference) bath may give you exactly what you’ve been needing. You can even light a few candles (like we see on TV), play some music, or grab a book to enjoy. This is your time, so do what makes you feel wonderful!
- Put on make-up or dress nicely - When we look good, we feel better. Dressing nicely helps us to feel a bit more confident and feel as though we have control over our lives. (For some of us, adding makeup may also help). If you are up to it, make a plan with a friend to get you out of the house or invite them over so you can show off how wonderful you look!
- Give yourself a manicure - You may be the person that spends a lot of time thinking and doing for others. You may also have so much going on that you are not thinking about those things that used to bring you pleasure. Take a little time out of your week to do a little something for you. One thing you can do is give yourself a manicure. It’s not the same as letting someone else do it for you, but if you can’t get out for awhile, try doing it yourself. Or, and even better idea - have a friend come over and give manicures to each other. Company always helps a down mood.
- Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee - Sometimes putting the breaks on and enjoying a few minutes to yourself will make a world of difference. Take 10 minutes to just stop, enjoy a nice beverage, rest, and regroup. When you are ready to reenter the world, you should feel a little bit better.
- Call a friend - Talking to someone, especially if you have a friend that makes you laugh, almost always helps when you are having a bad day.
- Go out and soak up the sun - Mother Nature is a great healer. Going outside, even for 5 or 10 minutes will help to improve your mood. You don’t have to do anything physical, just sitting on the porch can help. And, you may see a neighbor you can enjoy that cup of tea with.
We all suffer from bad days. Sometimes there is nothing we can do but endure them. Just know, tomorrow is a new day. Today will pass. If you can’t improve your mood, plan a better day for tomorrow. The important thing is to try not to stay in a bad mood for too long.
Wishing you health & happiness
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