Wellbeing Wednesday is a new monthly blog series featuring tips and ideas to help support you. Each month we will share some of the wellbeing tips shared in the forums, Ask an Expert section, alongside support information.
In the winter, the darker mornings and evenings can impact our wellbeing. Time changes can disrupt our routines, sleep patterns and mood. Did you know in two weeks’ time, the sun will set after 6.30 pm, so our days will feel brighter.
“Our lives are totally changed by something we have never expected or wanted. Lives turned upside down for family and ourselves. Being winter makes it harder. Long nights, cold days, but summer and warm weather is on its way where its sunrays will help us to feel better.”
Community member, Head and neck cancer forum
One member captured a gorgeous picture of a wintery sunrise and shared it in the Express yourself forum
Have you taken any seasonal pictures lately? Why not share them in the Express yourself forum?
“I am an artist, so that's my "chill" and "happy" place.. so this is what I did.. I posted on social media, asking for help... (that also made it easier to make my diagnosis public in a "kind" way)... I asked my friends and followers if they would like a piece of art from me, which would help me keep focused on something positive, asking only that they covered the cost of materials and shipping> the response has been overwhelming, so I have more than enough "commissions" to see me through the next few months! I am now also thinking I may also ask them to make a donation to Macmillan too! So, wins all round! ;)”
Community member, Cancer chat forum
“I found that it helped me to have that to focus on as it felt like something over which I could have some control!”
Community member, Womb cancer forum
“I write down my feelings in a journal. I also am having bereavement therapy, not sure if it has made much of a difference, I would say time makes the difference. It might be worth speaking to your GP and consider also bereavement groups in your area. I also started yoga, and mentally it makes me feel so much better. It is important to make time for yourself. Forums like this are brilliant, you don't feel so alone in your grief.”
Community member, Bereaved family and friends forum
“On Saturday, I did something waaaaay out of my comfort zone. Our regular cafe had on open spoken mic hour for people to share their poems. I had already told our friends I had written something which was raw, emotional and not sure if it would be right for me to read it out. But they encouraged me, saying that I would be amongst friends who loved both me and my beautiful Valen... So I’m sharing it with you, my forum friends, as you will truly get it. And I know that each and every one of you can add your own lines, in fact, I think that would be good to do so. ”
Read their poem here and post your own in the Express yourself forum.
“I would encourage you to think about how much you can cope with. I know that that sounds selfish, but caring for someone at the end stages of this horrible journey is tough on so many levels.”
Community member, Glioblastoma multiforme brain tumour forum
“Take a deep breath and remain anchored in hope.”
Community member, Bowel (colon and rectal) cancer forum
“It's hard when you are in sloth, grey, numb head depression because you have no mental or physical energy to argue with the dark thoughts, but I'll give you my life line tricks.
Block: I take myself to my bedroom, prop myself up on bed, lots of cushions, cover just to keep me warm, not hot. Eye covers on and I put ear cans on, the ones they wear on building site, only a tenner from online shop. Sounds odd but it really shuts most noise out. Mine have bows on to make them more feminine...sitting up, take 4 breathes in, hold for 4, breathe out 4, continue until you feel your body relaxing. Count the breathing. You can't count and have bad thoughts...I usually do half an hour when I need it.
Second technique is my safe place. Similar concept to the above. Block out if you want, but this time I think of my favourite fantasy place. It could be a beach, somewhere in space in my case it's a hilly field full of summer flowers, I have found an ancient hollow tree and over the years have put furniture in the tree, I have a cosy library, lush bed, roaring fire...the furnishing takes time, it focuses your mind of things that make you feel safe, make your own safe place, no one is allowed in there but you. Anything goes...it’s a place to rest and recharge. I have added a cave and all sorts over the years.”
Community member, Kidney cancer forum
Share some wellbeing tips to help others in the comment box below. If you need some more self care inspiration, take the Wellbeing this or that quiz.
