3 Ways for Patients to Feel Refreshed Throughout the Day

People with cancer have to go through indescribable situations. On top of dealing with regular physical treatments, everything from a diagnosis to spending a lot of time in a hospital can take a toll on anyone’s mental health.

With that in mind, patients must be able to feel refreshed and well taken care of each day.

Self-care has become a bit of a buzzword in recent years, but it’s one of the best things you can do if you’re going through treatment for cancer, or even if you’ve been recently diagnosed. Taking care of yourself can help with your resiliency, improve your outlook, and even make you physically stronger to help you through different treatment solutions.

Let’s cover three ways you can feel refreshed throughout the day that you can take charge of, yourself. Whether you have a care partner, you’re currently in the hospital, or you’re trying to remain as independent as possible, these refreshing techniques will go a long way in improving your well-being.

1. Improving Your Sleep Habits

There’s no denying how important it is to get enough rest as a patient. During treatment, your body may need more sleep to help repair itself. Ideally, you’ll get anywhere from 7-9 hours each night.

If you’re struggling to get enough sleep, you could feel weaker throughout the day and less motivated to keep moving forward. If you’re staying in a hospital, consider finding ways to make your room and your bed more comfortable. Limit your visitors, add personal touches to your room, and embrace pain management so your discomfort isn’t keeping you awake.

At home, you can improve your sleep habits in a variety of ways, including:

• Keeping your room at a cooler temperature
• Going to sleep/waking up at the same time each day
• Decluttering your sleep space
• Avoiding electronics before bed

By improving your sleep hygiene and getting more rest, you’ll feel less fatigued each day, and you can wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle your treatment.

2. Keep Daily Routines

Routines are important for everyone. They can help you to feel more comfortable and confident, and they give you something to look forward to. When you’re going through cancer treatment, it’s not unusual to feel on edge and uncertain. Daily routines, especially those that focus on self-care, can go a long way in keeping you grounded.

If you want to establish a routine that can help both your body and mind to feel more refreshed, consider including some of the following each day:

• Going for a walk each day
• Doing physical activities you enjoy
• Practicing good hygiene
• Performing activities you enjoy
• Going somewhere fun
• Making time for laughter

Often, the littlest things can make the biggest difference when it comes to self-care. Even everyday actions like meditation, mindfulness, and journaling can go a long way in improving your mental state.

Try to include those specific habits in your routine to boost your mental health and improve your outlook. Things like gratitude journaling, for example, can be a great way to share your thoughts and feelings, while allowing you to look back on how far you’ve come and everything you have to be grateful for. On days when you might be feeling down, that can be a big help in making you feel more refreshed and happier.

3. Spend Some Time Outside

Multiple studies have shown the physical and mental health benefits of spending time in nature. As a person with cancer, those benefits are heightened even more. Not only does spending time outside boost your mood, but it can also increase your energy levels and even strengthen your immune system.

That’s exactly what you need when it comes to staying motivated and strong through treatment. There’s no question that most treatment options take a toll on your body. Spending time outside when you can will help you be both physically and mentally stronger, making each treatment just a little bit easier.

The best way to spend more time outdoors is by doing things you enjoy. While you shouldn’t push your body to do anything it can’t right now, find ways to make the most of nature while staying active. Consider hiking or long walks through your neighborhood, casual bike rides, or even just relaxing in a park underneath a shady tree. Just make sure you take care of yourself when you spend time outside.

Take breaks when needed, and be sure to stay hydrated. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and light-headedness. That’s dangerous for anyone, but it can be especially problematic when you’re someone with cancer. Sipping enough water throughout the day will keep you from feeling tired, and help you to stay refreshed, alert, and appreciative of the world around you.

There are so many other things you can do to feel refreshed throughout the day. Get creative and consider what makes you feel your best. These ideas can help you get started so you can get stronger, have a more positive mental outlook, and make living with this diagnosis easier than ever as you get the treatment you deserve.