Healthy from Head to Toe: Strategies for Everyday Life

By: Scott Sanders info@cancerwell.org

Staying healthy isn’t always easy to do; when we’re busy, we tend to look for the easiest ways to get things done, from grabbing fast food instead of cooking dinner to taking shortcuts when it comes to a workout. Yet, healthy living is important if we want to live longer, happier lives, so it’s only natural that we look for ways to incorporate healthy strategies into our everyday routines. Whether this means eating better, creating an exercise routine you can stick to, or finding ways to reduce stress and negativity, it’s important to find what works for you. However, for individuals who have recently been diagnosed with cancer or are in remission, finding healthy habitsis especially important.

The key is to look for ways you can bring these healthy habits into your life in a way that will allow you to stick with them. Start by setting realistic goals; for instance, if you know that changing up your exercise routine will be difficult with your work schedule, think of ways you can merge the two gently so that you won’t overexert yourself. Keep reading for some great tips on how to incorporate healthy strategies into your life without the stress.

Boost Your Rest

 If your mattress is more than a few years old, it could be causing you pain or interfering with your ability to get quality rest. When dealing with an illness like cancer, which can cause enough pain on its own, it’s important to make sure your body can adequately recharge every night. A worn out, lumpy mattress can not only leave you feeling exhausted the next morning, it may exacerbate any pain you’re already experiencing. If it’s been more than seven years since you upgraded your mattress, it may be worthwhile to consider doing so. Look for one that will allow for proper spine alignmentto protect your back and muscles. 

Eat Well

 Eating wellis important for everyone, and when you’re trying to get your body back to a healthy place, it’s imperative to find the right diet for your needs. Talk to your doctor about which foods are best for building up your strength; focus on proteins, dark, leafy greens, and nuts and berries, which are wonderful for your immune systemand work as anti-inflammatories. Don’t try to make huge changes to your diet all at once, as this can leave you feeling stressed and overwhelmed, especially if your family includes picky eaters. Look for small ways you can improve the way you eat throughout the day and incorporate them into meals at home.

Look for Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress

 Stress is a major factor when it comes to your physical and mental health, so it’s imperative to look for ways to reduce those feelingsin the moment. You might learn deep breathing exercises, go for a short walk, or take a break from your smartphone or laptop screen for a little while. When you have more time, stress-busting activities might include practicing a hobby or doing something that calms you, such as reading. 

Get in a Workout

 Exercise is important for everyone at any age, but for those who have battled cancer, it’s especially important to build up muscle and healthy tissue. Talk to your doctor before starting any new regimen, and consider learning yoga,which combines physical activity with a mental health boost known as mindfulness. With yoga, you get a workout and have an opportunity to learn how to focus and drown out the noise of the outside world. 

Getting healthy -- and staying that way -- isn’t always easy, but with a few simple strategies in place, you can ensure that your body, mind, and soul are well taken care of. Take it slowly to avoid becoming overwhelmed, and remember to take breaks as often as you need them.