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<<Diet Lifestyle and environment>> Psychological State - Stress"Stress" is a natural, bracing reaction to extra physical or mental demands and a certain amount of it is not only unavoidable but also necessary and healthy. It is when stress is never-ending that illness can result. There are plenty of events producing mental and emotional distress we can do little to control. But there are steps we can take to avoid or remove the effects of prolonged and repeated strain – all of which can undermine the body’s ability to adapt. Many of the techniques popular for reducing the strain of life in general are also now being used to help people combat illness of all sorts, including cancer. Exercise is an essential part of staying healthy but few people understand how good it is also at "de-stressing". Exercise not only helps prevent cancer but can assist in treatment and recovery too. To relax properly and to express feelings more spontaneously are other anti-stress tips. Adopting a positive approach to fighting the disease improves a patient’s quality of life and survival chances. All the following methods encourage the mind to help the body by adopting a positive approach to oneself and one’s problem.
"Movement" therapies such as yoga and t’ai chi are exceptionally good ways of learning to relax. Another method is "floating" - you float in a few inches of warm salt water inside an enclosed chamber, in the dark and listening to music. To "float", you need to find a center of clinic that offers this service. However, you can also do this during a hot bath. Other methods are massage therapy, aromatherapy and reflexology. A simple relaxation exercise The following exercise is often taught as apart of relaxation therapy and is found very valuable by many people. Once learnt the technique is east to practice at home. All you need is 20 minutes of peace and quiet, preferably in a room by yourself, where you can lie flat on the floor. The aim is to empty your mind of all negative thoughts, to visualize the beauties of a peaceful scene, and to imagine the sounds of nature that will bring that scene to life in your mind. Having set your scene to achieve peace and tranquility of mind, next begin to relax all our muscles, taking one group at a time. Start with your toes and feet, continue with your fingers and hands, first contracting and then relaxing a muscle group so that eventually all your limbs feel heavy and inert. If someone lifed one of your arms it would just flop back on the floor. Continue the process of contracting and relaxing muscle groups all the way up the body, even to your eyebrows and scalp, and when you are completely relaxed just lie there for a while as if letting your body sink through the floor. Then bring yourself back to reality slowly and gently, without any hurry. You will be amazed how much calmer and more in control you feel when you get up. Relaxation exercises can be coupled with deep-breathing exercises, which are also good for helping you to release tension. Physical therapies teach both breathing exercises and relaxation techniques, and you should have no trouble in finding one who is well qualified.
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