Living Now: Take charge and manage your stress

Throughout your transplant recovery, you’ve likely felt stress along the way. And today, your stress may be very different from what it was before your transplant.

Too much stress can be a serious strain on your physical and emotional health. Signs of stress can include headaches, muscle aches, upset stomach, difficulty sleeping and feeling irritable or anxious. Here are some tips to help you identify and reduce or manage your stress:

• Keep a journal. When you feel stressed, write down what’s causing your stress, how it makes you feel and what you’re doing to feel better. Are there any patterns or themes? This can help you find out what triggers your stress and what helps you relax.
• Talk to a friend, loved one, counselor or support group. Just talking about your stress can sometimes help you let it go. Or the person you’re talking to may help you find ways to reduce your stress. Contact our NMDP^SM Patient Support Center for help finding a support group or counselor. Call 1 (888) 999-6743 or email patientinfo@nmdp.org.
• Get moving. Exercise, like walking, helps many people manage stress. Find a physical activity that you enjoy, check with your doctor to make sure it’s safe and make it a routine. Even a little exercise each day can help.
• Express your creativity. Activities such as drawing, painting, dancing, playing a musical instrument or singing can help relieve stress, even if you’ve never participated in these activities before. Always wanted to take up a hobby? Maybe now is the time.
• Set aside relaxation time. Yoga, meditation and deep breathing activate your body’s relaxation response, even if you only have 10 minutes a day to relax.
• Rest your body and feed it well. Feeling tired can be a source of stress. Get a good night’s sleep by limiting caffeine and alcohol. Eat a healthy breakfast. Well-nourished bodies are better prepared to cope with stress. Trying a new recipe or visiting a farmers’ market could help you add fruits and vegetables to your meals.
• Tell your story. Sharing your experience with other recipients, and hearing their stories in return, may help you feel more hopeful by connecting with others in a meaningful way.

Do your best to understand what’s causing your stress and find a coping strategy that works for you.

cancer.net is a trustworthy source of information online. They offer a free podcast on managing stress, information on relaxation techniques and more.

Patients, create a MyNMDP account to track your wellness and symptoms, connect with other BMT patients and find the support you need. Caregivers, create an account to find community groups, support and tools you need to care for yourself and your loved one during the transplant journey.