Observed on November 7 every year in India, National Cancer Awareness Day is meant to spread awareness of the need of early cancer identification and prevention. Originally declared in 2014, this day was first proposed by former Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan to inspire the public to be more knowledgeable about cancer, a major health concern afflicting millions of people worldwide. The date falls on Marie Curie’s birth anniversary; her work in radioactivity set the stage for cancer treatment. The observance stresses the need of consistent medical examinations and education in order to lower the effect of this life-threatening illness.
This National Cancer Awareness Day 2024, let us dive into the need of emotional wellbeing of cancer patients and their caregivers.
Need for Emotional Wellbeing
Throughout cancer treatment, a major focus should be on the emotional well-being of cancer patients and their caregivers. According to quantitative research, depression affects over 27% of cancer patients. A meta-analysis of more than 23,000 caregivers shows that 25.14% experience depression; rates are varied by situational and regional factors. Complicating their quality of life due to caregiving obligations and extra tasks, caregivers of advanced-stage cancer patients report 42.2% experiencing increased anxiety and 21.5% confronting sadness.
Let us dive into a few holistic practises which can boost emotional wellbeing of cancer patients as well as caregivers:
Embracing Adhyatmik intelligence (AI) & Spirituality
Accepting spirituality and life purpose will help cancer patients and caregivers immensely with their mental well-being and act as a stabilizing factor in trying circumstances. Studies reveal that patients who participate spiritually report 24% greater emotional health—that is, far better than others. Resilience and peace might come via connecting with a higher power, deliberate practices, or introspection. Finding purpose in the cancer journey helps change the emphasis from suffering to development, therefore promoting acceptance and boosting caregivers. Daily spiritual pursuits include meditation, journaling, or reading help one to develop inner serenity. Investigating life purpose and interacting with encouraging spiritual communities can help to reduce isolation and boost hope. These techniques taken together change the experience by giving strength, hope, and closer connection.
Personalized Meditation Practises
One effective approach to ground the mind and quiet the emotional turbulence related with cancer is meditation. Regular meditation practice can lower stress hormones and improve psychological resilience, according to research in psycho-oncology; this helps participants in some clinical studies to have a 38% lower stress level. Meditative techniques give patients times of tranquillity, assist control pain perception, and lower anxiety. Conversely, caregivers might employ meditation to help with the mental and physical toll of providing care. A useful starting point are guided meditation applications and programs designed for stress release, which include basic breathing exercises or body scans available in few minutes every day. The overall effect of regular meditation can be further improved by personalizing it as per Mind, Body and Soul of the person i.e. based on Astrology & Numerology of person.
Express the Gratitude
Although it seems like a small deed, gratitude has great impact on mental well-being. Gratitude exercises have been connected to a notable rise in good feelings and a drop in depression symptoms. Finding times of gratitude for cancer patients helps them to refocus from what is lacking or lost to what is still good in their lives. Whether it’s a heartfelt chat or a simple grin, caregivers also gain from noticing little successes. A basic yet effective way to develop a more positive attitude is to keep a thankfulness diary in which one notes three items they are glad for every day. This exercise improves general resilience and coping mechanisms for both of the partners in addition to mood.
Personalized Journalling
By means of a reflecting tool and an emotional outlet, journaling helps people to organize complicated feelings, monitor development, and obtain understanding of their emotional conditions. Studies have shown that expressive writing might help with emotional control and increase general mental health by fifteen percent. Journaling can assist cancer patients in recording their experiences, communicating their worries, and commemorating, no matter minor, benchmarks. Journaling helps caregivers express pent-up emotions, spot stress patterns, and pinpoint times when they might want more help. The secret is to let ideas and emotions go wild on the page instead of crittering what is written. The journalling can be customized based on astrology and numerology to enhance its effect.
Curating a supporting Community
Emotional well-being depends much on our relationships with others. Being part of a support network helps patients and caregivers equally since it allows them to exchange experiences, guidance, and emotional consolation. Studies of those who actively engage in support groups reveal less anxiety and a greater sense of belonging. Joining a group of people who know their particular difficulties might help cancer sufferers find comfort and solidarity. Caregivers also need a community that recognizes their challenges; this may be a structured support group or even casual get-togethers with friends or relatives who can offer a listening ear. The combined experience of such groups can help to significantly reduce the sense of isolation sometimes accompanying cancer.
Integrating Mind-Body Practices like Yoga and Gentle Exercise
Even in its mildest forms, physical movement can boost general energy levels and help mental well-being. Key elements of emotional health, mild exercises like yoga have been shown to relieve stress, ease tiredness, and improve sleep—all of which help to promote emotional wellness. Studies published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology show that yoga practitioners reported a 20% increase in emotional functioning following treatment. Including basic stretches or a 15-minute stroll will help caregivers find a mental reset that balances their responsibilities to others with their own needs. In activities like yoga, the mix of movement and conscious breathing helps calm the nervous system and generates times of peace among the turbulence of cancer treatment.
Please consult your doctor prior to adopting any holistic practises and do under the supervision only.
This article is written by, Sidhharrth S Kumaar, Registered Pharmacist, Astro Numerologist, Life & Relationship Coach, Vaastu Expert, Energy Healer, Music Therapist, and Founder, of NumroVani.