Cancer is stressful to mental, emotional and sleep health. Did you know that you can help yourself cope by creating inner relaxation and shifting the way you think? This is called mind-body wellness and it’s developed through practicing mindfulness.

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.

Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment – thoughts, feelings and senses – with openness and curiosity, and without judgment. There are a variety of techniques that can help you create this mindset and strengthen your mind-body health.

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.