6 Ways for Cancer Patients to Stay Positive in the New Year

 With the new year here, this month is filled with people making resolutions, some often too taxing to keep up throughout the year, but all with good intentions of bettering oneself. For a cancer patient, their life may feel too controlled by their diagnosis to make many changes or resolutions. There are many ways for cancer patients to make small, positive changes in their life that can help their health and outlook on their disease and life. The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance spoke to a few members of the team at Cancer Treatment Centers of America who gave us 6 excellent ways for cancer patients to make 2013 a year of positive thoughts and actions!

Everybody has stressors, but if you can do one thing to feel less stressed and more in control, that will help. For example, you can clean up some clutter which will give you a sense of control and help you stay positive.

­ Sit down and imagine something positive that could happen to you in 2013. Imagine you are better and it might help you feel better.Do things that make you feel good and help you stay positive. Add some music to your life. If you listen to uplifting music if can help you feel better. Watch programs that have an uplifting message, whether they are dramas or comedies. Be with friends that make you feel good. Make it a point in 2013 to connect with people who you want to get to know better or spend time with old friends that help you stay positive.­ -Steve White, Director of Mind-Body Medicine

Think about one small physical activity you can do to improve your health and that will help improve your outlook on life. A daily walk is a great place to start.

­ -Jane White, Director of Rehabilitation Services

When people are rested they feel better and have more energy to have a positive outlook on life. Take naps ­ even for just 10 minutes it will help you stay refreshed and relaxed.

­ -Dr. Shauna Birdsall, Director of Naturopathic Medicine

Choose foods as close to their natural state as possible, with as few added ingredients as possible. Eating foods in their natural state can help your body feel less sluggish from digesting heavily processed foods. It can provide your body with more energy to accomplish things and therefore can lead to a clearer mind.

­ -Stephanie Paver, Clinical Oncology DietitianShare any of your resolutions or positive changes you will be making with our community!