A cancer diagnosis can bring feelings of confusion, anxiety, sadness, and helplessness. Many mesothelioma patients may feel overwhelmed as they search for stress reduction techniques while navigating their busy treatment schedules.
Mindfulness can help patients and their loved ones stay hopeful during a mesothelioma diagnosis. By definition, mindfulness is the awareness that arises when we purposely pay attention in the present moment without judgment.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programs can greatly impact cancer patients to manage their stress, pain, and illness. Cancer patients experience a variety of symptoms due to their condition and treatment side effects. MBSR has been proven to be effective in managing stress, anxiety, fatigue, headaches, and high blood pressure.
MBSR programs take the values of Eastern psychology and philosophy to create and connection between the body and mind to reduce stress.
Mesothelioma patients can expect to participate in interactive activities to engage and promote mindfulness meditation.
Cancer patients will participate in support activities such as guided mindfulness practice, gentle stretching, yoga, and other activities to promote mindfulness to help them manage their illness.
Classes will also provide patients with daily at-home activities to practice their mindfulness meditation skills in the comfort of their own home.
No matter where you live, mesothelioma patients can find an MBSR program near them. Over 16,000 people have completed the MBSR program from hospitals, clinics, and universities around the world.
Cancer patients and caregivers can both benefit from the techniques and practices of MBSR to reduce stress during their journey navigating a cancer diagnosis.