Relaxation

Allowing your mind and body to completely relax can often help you to cope with your symptoms and side effects better. This in turn may actually help you to manage your symptoms and side effects more effectively.

There are some relaxation techniques that you can learn to do by yourself:

Breathing Exercises – Slow Rhythmic Breathing

Breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose. Be sure not to take such a deep breath that you feel light headed.

As you breathe out from your mouth slowly, feel yourself beginning to relax. Feel the tension leaving your body.

Continue to breathe in and out slowly at a regular rate that is comfortable for you. Let the breath come all the way down to your stomach. To help you focus on your breathing and to breathe slowly and rhythmically, try to breathe in for a slow count of 3 and then breathe out for a slow count of 4.

Continue with this for up to 10 minutes, or for as long as you find comfortable.

When you finish your breathing exercise, end with a slow deep breath. As you breathe out say a positive statement to yourself such as, “I feel totally relaxed”, “I feel calm” or “I feel comfortable”.

Mental Relaxation Exercises – Peaceful Experiences

Some people find that mental imagery exercises help to relax their mind. These types of exercises can often be helpful if you find that anxiety is making your symptoms worse.

Try to remember past experiences where you felt calm, happy, peaceful, safe or comfortable. Think about how you felt at the time and why you felt this way. Who was there, what was happening?

Try to remember any peaceful daydreams that you may have had. What were you thinking about?

Listen to some soothing music that makes you feel relaxed.

Read some favourite poetry that you find positive or uplifting.

If you are active religiously, think about some of your favourite hymns, readings or prayers that make you feel peaceful.

Disclaimer: On this website you will find advice to help you manage some of the more common but milder symptoms and side effects of cancer and cancer treatment. Please ONLY use this advice if you are currently participating in the eRAPID Lung research project, otherwise you must follow the advice given to you by your medical team. Clicking on the links in the menu will take you to advice on looking after yourself during and after cancer treatment. If after following the advice you don’t feel your symptoms are being successfully managed or relieved, you should contact your Clinical Nurse Specialist Team.

Email: Leedsth-tr.lungcancernurses@nhs.net

Telephone: 0113 2067916