managing stress can play an important role in combating cancer-related fatigue. here are some suggestions that may help. adjust your expectations. for example if you have a list of 10 things you want to accomplish today pare it down to two and leave the rest for other days. a sense of accomplishment goes a long way to reducing stress. help others understand and support you. family and friends can be helpful if they can "put themselves in your shoes" and understand what fatigue means to you. cancer groups can be a source of support as well. other people with cancer understand what you are going through. relaxation techniques such as audiotapes that teach deep breathing or visualization can help reduce stress. activities that divert your attention away from fatigue can also be helpful. for example activities such as knitting reading or listening to music require little physical energy but require attention. if your stress seems out of control talk to a health care professional.
how can i manage my stress when i have cancer?