Cancer and treatment for cancer can alter your body. Certain changes are temporary such as hair loss or changes in weight, whereas certain other changes could be permanent, based on the type of cancer you have.
These bodily changes can affect your self-esteem and body image. Body image is the way in which you feel about how you appear.
This article will will look at five ways that you could do in order to be more comfortable within your body before and following your treatment for cancer.
1. Be prepared for the possible changes
Knowing what’s likely to take place to your body throughout the course of treatment for cancer will help you make preparations for this change physically and mentally.
While it may seem intimidating at first, having an open conversations with your physician about the effects to expect from the treatment may help over the long term.
Some patients do not experience the same adverse effects however, being prepared for the most commonly-experienced side effects could be helpful.
2. Try to practice daily gratitude
This exercise will help get your mind thinking positivity about yourself. Choose a time in the day that you take five minutes to think of three positive aspects about your body.
With all the side effects the body is doing to do its best to endure. We should be grateful to it for everything we consider to be normal including eating, breathing and walking, as well as smile, and bending.
3. Feed your body
A lot of cancer patients have issues with their food intake while they are undergoing treatment. Some suffer from loss of appetite, and others experience changes in the taste.
This could be the perfect opportunity to pamper your body with nutritious foods which will provide you with the strength you require to stand up to the demands of an intense treatment.
A nutritionist who is specialized in cancer can develop an individual meal plan specifically to suit your needs, based on the current treatment that you are in.
4. Join a community
There are numerous cancer-related communities in which cancer patients and their caregivers can connect with others experiencing the same path.
Participating in a community can help you connect with people who are also experiencing changes to their bodies caused by cancer. It makes you feel less lonely. You may also receive useful advice about where specific products such as wigs or head scarves are available.
5. Keep Moving
Although your body might feel less strong than it did previously but you’ll still be able to be awed by basic exercise routines. Moving your routine will allow you to enjoy your body with simple exercises. A short walk or performing a few simple stretching exercises can help you feel more energetic. Take a break when you’re exhausted, and get moving to feel active. Don’t set unrealistic goals regarding your physical fitness in this period.
When you aren’t feeling like engaging in any kind of exercise, do some breathing exercises. These can help you settle down and lessen anxiety and stress. Different people adapt to their body’s new shape in a variety of ways. While some might not be terribly concerned about the physical changes, people may find it difficult to cope with the change.