Heres what they said.
Do a bit of journaling.
Tune into a live support group.
Marie Bertrand/Getty Images
The thing that helped him get through the toughest days?
Connecting with people going through similar experiences.
Attending support groups during his treatments helped him tune his treatment out and focus on his new friends.
Bring a family member along.
Bringing her mom to her appointments has been a game changer.
I would not have been able to maintain my health and my sanity without her there, she says.
We are absolute goofballs who enjoy living under airport rules in times of distress, says Sandino.
Or recruit a good friend to join you.
To pass the time, Rose often asks a close friend to tag along.
Craft custom playlists for your treatments.
To keep her spirits high during the sessions, she queues up K-pop radio.
When I was diagnosed with cancer in 2021, listening to K-pop music became my therapy, says Munoz.
Plus, the lyrics deeply resonate with her.
During appointments, shed often catch herself smiling and singing along.
One song that stands out isI Am Here by Pink.
She heard it in a spin class in 2019 soon after she recovered from her first surgery.
Cue up a gripping TV movie.
It makes the time go quicker, especially if its something all-engrossing, says Millar.
When she watches epic stories likeMission ImpossibleandLord of the Rings, the sessions fly by.
(Check out our list of comfort flicks to cozy up with.)
Ground yourself with a guided meditation.
She tuned in to those guided meditations during the seven half-hour infusion treatments she received over six months.
Meditation has since become a habitwhenever she starts to worry about her recovery, Acosta finds herself meditating subconsciously.
I’ve learned how to manage my anxiety through following these videos and developing the habit, she says.
(Heres how to meditate if you havent gotten into it yet, but really want to.)
Find a community on social media.
The site has been monumental in allowing her to build a community with other people whove had breast cancer.
(Read how three people with chronic illnesses say the platform changed their lives.)
Huchon says she couldnt have gotten this far without the support and connection of other people.
Just know that whatever treatment youre on is designed to make you feel better eventually.
A little feel-good action plan will help keep you calm (and distracted) in the meantime.
Related:
Get more of SELFs great mental health advice delivered right to your inboxfor free.
