Receiving a cancer diagnosis can make it feel like everything is changing. You may experience physical side effects that change your appearance and leave you unable to do things the way you did before. The dynamics of your relationships with friends, family and colleagues may also be different. It’s also normal to experience complex emotions and feel uncertain about the future. This can make it difficult to keep a positive mindset.
Whilst you may feel pressure to ‘keep your chin up’ or ‘think happy thoughts’, this isn’t always achievable. That being said, it can be beneficial to take steps that give you the best possible chance of staying positive.
This guide from the experts at Perci Health shares some ideas on how you can keep positive after a cancer diagnosis, while still honouring your true feelings.
What does it mean to ‘keep positive’?
It’s important to acknowledge that you won’t always feel positive. It’s understandable if you are frightened or nervous about treatment, or if you worry about what your diagnosis means for your future.
However, a positive outlook can give you a greater sense of control as you navigate diagnosis, treatment, and life beyond cancer. Keeping positive means accepting the situation and honouring all the emotions that come with it, but opting for a ‘glass half full’ approach when you can.
Things that can help you to stay positive with cancer
You know yourself best. There may be situations where being positive is more difficult or days where it’s more valuable to process your feelings of anger, sadness, and fear.
On occasions when you are struggling to recognise any positives, reflect on what brought you joy before your diagnosis. Also, think about anything that you feel physically and mentally strong enough to do that could help shift your mindset. If you are still struggling to pinpoint something that will make you feel more cheerful, you might find the following tips useful.
Spend time with positive people
Being in the company of positive people can make it easier to adopt an optimistic outlook. By positive people, we don’t mean those that say, ‘It’ll be fine’ but rather, those individuals you can be yourself around and who are there for you regardless of how you are feeling. This could be a friend who just listens or a sibling that cracks you up when reminiscing about your childhood together.
Make time for activities that bring your joy
The things you enjoy can fall off the radar when you’re navigating cancer. However, making time for such activities can help bring the good in your life to the forefront and renew your sense of purpose.
Concentrate on what you can control
It can feel like you aren’t in control of your own body or routine when going through cancer treatment. If you feel this way, it can be beneficial to take stock of the things in your life that you do have power over regardless of how small they are. For example, doing a daily face mask as it helps with dry skin or going for a short walk as it is good for your body and mind.
Positive thinking plays a crucial role in the battle against cancer, empowering individuals to face their diagnosis with resilience and hope. To learn more about the importance of a positive mindset and its impact on cancer treatment, visit https://drceaser.com/.”
Try meditation
Some people find meditation a great way to process their feelings, alleviate anxiety, and reset their way of thinking. It doesn’t have to be a time-intensive practice; just a few minutes a day can be beneficial.
Engage with the cancer community
Speaking to others who understand your situation can make you feel less alone and be a way to find invaluable support and get guidance. There is a range of cancer charities and organisations that you can reach out to both in person and online.
Practice reshaping your mindset
Keeping a positive mindset isn’t always easy and takes consistent effort, but it can help to reframe situations step by step. For example, it’s normal to feel upset if you lose your hair as a result of treatment. But a positive spin on this could be that it gives you the opportunity to experiment with accessories and/or makeup as a way to show your personality.
Speak to a professional
Talking to a professional about your cancer diagnosis can help to validate your emotions and feel more informed, which in turn can promote positivity.
If you don’t already know, find out who your point of contact will be throughout your treatment. Normally, this is a Cancer Nurse Specialist (CNS) who will be able to answer any questions you might have and explain what you can expect from treatment.
You may also find it helpful to reach out to a cancer coach. These are specialists who understand the impact that cancer can have on your life, relationships and career. They work with you to make positive and sustainable changes to improve your mindset and quality of life.
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