Relaxation is an excellent way to manage stress. Many people believe that relaxation techniques alone can reduce all levels of stress. This is generally true for people who are not in crisis. But people in crisis—and people with cancer often are—have to take practical steps toward stress reduction before a healing relaxation can occur.
Reducing Pain It is pretty well impossible to relax if you are suffering acute or chronic physical and emotional pain. So the most important practical step you can take to reduce stress is to reduce your physical pain. You may have to take pain medication or antianxiety medication at first. But you will notice that as you follow through on a stress-reduction and relaxation program, you will become less and less dependent on these medications. Once the mental and emotional struggle and severe pain have been attended to, then you can get down to the business of deep relaxation.
Enjoying Yourself You can take many other practical steps to reduce stress. Make up your own list, perhaps starting with these suggestions:
