January is Cervical Health/ Cervical Cancer Awareness Month; a time when everyone should take a moment to learn the facts about cervical cancer. While this is a noble cause, 12,200 women every year don’t have the luxury of devoting a single day to it. This is their life. If you’re one of these women, you’re no doubt only fighting the disease, but battling every single day to restore some normalcy to your life. There are days when you just don’t feel like you’re you anymore. Here’s what you can do about it.
1. Breathe
The everyday stress and constantly feeling crummy from treatments can feel overwhelming, but a few minutes of deep breathing can help you clear your thoughts and take the weight off your shoulders. Basic breathing exercises are a good way to feel centered again, but for even more benefit, practice meditation techniques. If you’re having a particularly tough time clearing your mind, browse YouTube for some guided meditation videos.
2. Rest Well
You have a lot to do, but your body is working overtime right now. You’ll find yourself in better spirits and able to accomplish more if you make sure you’re getting enough sleep at night. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of power naps, either. Even a short rest period in the middle of the day can help recharge your batteries, so you’re ready to take on the afternoon.
3. Eat Healthy
Some days, you won’t want to eat at all, but you just can’t be you unless you’re fueling your body with the nutritious foods it needs. Fruits and veggies are especially good right now, or you can go for juice to pack in even more vitamins and minerals. If you don’t feel up for a full meal, try to keep lots of small snacks on hand and graze throughout the day.
4. Do Something Uniquely You
Laughter isn’t just good for the soul, it’s beneficial for your overall health and wellbeing. We all have our little quirks and ways we like to treat ourselves. Maybe yours is splurging on concert tickets, a night out with your significant other, spending time in your garden, or taking a long, lavish bubble bath. If your favorite activity is something you can’t do right now, put on your thinking cap and find a way to adapt it so you can. Maybe you feel drained at the end of the day, so a night out isn’t going to happen. That’s ok. Plan an early-evening event or do breakfast instead.
5. Surround Yourself with Your Tribe
Your friends and family will undoubtedly want to spend time with you and they’ve probably been wondering what they can do to help. Take them up on their offers. It will make you and them feel good. Perhaps a friend wants to cook you dinner or a neighbor wants to mow your lawn. Let them.
6. Make Yourself Feel Beautiful
One of the biggest issues women with cervical cancer face, aside from fight the cancer itself, is that they look in the mirror and see a cancer patient. You aren’t just a cancer patient. You’re still you and you’re still beautiful. Think of what used to make you feel this way. A new dress? Buy one. A makeover? Get one. A mani/pedi? Do it.
Would a New Hairstyle Make You Feel More Like You?
At Artemis Hair Studio, we understand how important having a full head of hair can be. A beautiful hairdo can boost your self-esteem and put a bounce in your step, but if you’re going through chemo, it can seem as if this is impossible. It’s not. We specialize in creating high-quality, natural-looking wigs that are custom designed to match the style, color, and cut you want. Whether you want to look like yourself again or want to try something totally new, we can help. Best of all, most insurance companies cover some or all of the cost when a wig is necessary for medical reasons. Call (713) 677-1283 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced stylists today.
