Living with a cancer diagnosis can be exhausting. Managing the side effects of cancer treatment. Looking after your emotional wellbeing. Plus the demands of daily life are still there, needing your attention. It’s no wonder that even dealing with simple tasks can start to feel like an incredible strain. Extreme fatigue and persistent tiredness can really impact your quality of life.
Just as severe fatigue is a common symptom of cancer, it can also be a common side-effect of cancer treatment. Life with cancer-related fatigue can feel like you're running a race with no clear finish line. Thoughts of needing to pace yourself are common. Can I spare the energy to do that task today? Will those feelings of fatigue set in the next day?
It can be difficult to know when you should take a break, or whether you can afford to take a break at all. Before your diagnosis, it wasn't unusual for you to push on through the tiredness. Maybe you feel there’s an expectation for you to carry on the same way now.
If you often feel guilty about taking a rest, or you know someone who struggles with self-care, read on! The members of our Online Community have some wisdom to share…
We’re all guilty of being too hard on ourselves from time to time. Sometimes, we can be our own worst critics. Even when you have a cancer diagnosis, not being able to give the 100% you’re used to can be frustrating. See if this sounds familiar:
I’m willing to bet a lot of people will relate to that quote. It can be frustrating when there is a gap between what you used to be able to do in an average day, and what you're able to do now. Although it’s understandable, feeling frustrated with yourself is rarely helpful.
So how can you start to think about your needs in a more positive way? How can you be kind to yourself when you struggle to see your needs as something you should prioritise? One Online Community member shared this brilliant insight on having so-called ‘lazy’ days:
That’s brilliant advice. Imagine a close friend tells you that they’re starting to feel like they desperately need a rest. How would you respond? Would you tell them to ignore their own needs, and to keep pushing on? Would you make them feel bad for their lack of energy? Or would you tell them that taking a break is essential for their wellbeing? You might point out that needing to rest more frequently is completely understandable.
If you’d tell your friend to take a break because it’s completely natural to need more rest – congratulations! You have the makings of a good friend. The next time you’re tempted to feel guilty for needing to slow down, repeat the exercise above. You'll be well on your way to being a better friend to yourself. This Community member sums it up perfectly:
What does having a good rest look like to you? Sleeping in bed? Napping on the sofa with the TV on? Chatting on social media with your smartphone? All those options are great ways to rest, and if that's what you need, you shouldn't feel like you're wasting a day. Give yourself the permission to recharge, regroup, and revive.
But what about if you find it hard to keep your mind at peace when your body is resting? Enjoying some fun distractions can help. Playing games, reading a book, watching a boxset. Phoning friends, drawing, colouring-in. Puzzles, quizzes, learning something new on YouTube. Enjoying a bit of 'low-effort' fun can have a powerful restorative effect on your energy levels:
As any healthcare professional will tell you, solid rest and simple fun are vital. But what if you're missing having that sense of making progress? Engaging in a hobby can provide a great sense of achievement while still being relaxing. Other Online Community members had their own hobby suggestions:
Whether you find joy in hobbies, physical activity, or getting lost in a bit of fun, remember: you deserve some rest. This Community member does a great job of summarising:
Now it’s over to you. What are your favourite ways to take a break? What hobbies would you like to share with the Online Community?
Comment below, or keep the conversation going on our dedicated suggestions thread:
Your Favourite Ways to Relax and Have Fun
