As a cancer patient or survivor, you may feel especially challenged during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The economy and job market have taken a major hit, leaving many people out of work, fearful of losing their job, or struggling to find employment.
Concerns about staying healthy and preventing infection are very real.
And of course, mentally, it is a lot to process. The news cycle is so fast paced that it's hard to predict the changes that may come tomorrow, let alone months from now. Social media feeds can be overwhelming. Social distancing can feel isolating. And just when you decide to step away, take a breather and decompress, a friend or family member might come to you for support because we're all going through it at our own pace, in our way. The gravity of the situation can be very hard to escape.
Many of you are likely familiar with some of the isolating aspects of needing to self-distance, whether it be due to previous symptoms, treatments, recoveries, or a suppressed immune system, so you might be aware of the importance of alleviating some of the effects of these more challenging aspects.
Cancer and Careers is committed to staying up to date on the latest news and continuing to offer proactive support to empower you on your work and cancer journey. Caring for your physical and mental health is vitally important and can alleviate the negative impacts of stress and anxiety at times like these. We've found some free, at-home resources to help you practice peace of mind and stay active.
Mental Health:
- Coronavirus Anxiety Toolkit. By Shine and Mental Health America, this website offers free meditations, articles on anxiety, isolation and finance.
- Coronavirus Sanity Guide. By Ten Percent Happier, this website offers free talks, recorded meditations and live, daily meditations at 3pm ET.
- Self-Compassion Meditations. By Self-Compassion.org. Free guided meditations and exercises to help soothe and allow difficult emotions.
Fitness:
- Live Well Series by John Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. A video fitness series with modified options for every fitness level!
- Yoga for Cancer Patients, Bed Exercises by Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Exercises for Cancer Patients by MD Anderson Cancer Center
- Core Yoga Free Online Yoga Videos by CorePower Yoga