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Research shows that mindfulness-based interventions can decrease cancer-related emotional distress, fatigue, pain, and nausea while improving sleep and an overall sense of well-being.
If you're a patient or caregiver at St. Luke's Cancer Institute and would like to practice mindfulness skills in person with a licensed clinical social worker, please call your St. Luke's Cancer Institute treatment location in Boise, Fruitland, Meridian, Nampa, or Twin Falls and ask for the social work department.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
MBSR teaches "mindfulness," which is a focus only on things happening in the present moment. Mindfulness is not a time to "zone out" or "space out" but is rather a time to purposefully pay attention and be aware of your surroundings, your emotions, your thoughts, and how your body feels.
Controlled Breathing
The way you breathe affects your whole body. This technique can help you relax, reduce tension, and relieve stress.
Guided Imagery
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Meditation
Meditation reduces the release of stress hormones and helps shift focus away from pain.
More Powerful Tools
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Gratitude
Nurture a happier self with gratitude, practicing the recognition of positive aspects of your life to distract from your misfortunes.
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Optimism
Optimism is a hopeful, positive outlook on the future, yourself, and the world around you. It's a key part of resilience, the inner strength that helps you in tough times.
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Laughter
Laughter can shift your mind from medical memories and worries to the present moment. It also increases endorphins, the feel-good brain chemical, which helps decrease physical pain.
More on Mind-Body Wellness
Mobile Apps Can Help You Stay on Track
Convenient, Timely, and Motivational Support
Apps for your mobile phone can be helpful in improving mind-body habits because they offer convenient programs, built-in encouragement, and timely, motivational reminders. In choosing an app, consider your budget and the content developer’s training and credentials; you'll want to make sure the strategies used are evidence-based.
Most apps have a free-trial period and then offer a subscription, while some are entirely free of charge. Please contact the St. Luke’s Cancer Institute social work department at your care location for further guidance in finding a mobile app to support your mind-body wellness.