

There is no panel matching the key "MicroAlert"

Published on May 25, 2018

woman looking at sky

How practicing mindfulness can help during cancer treatment

Cancer and its treatment can be stressful for you, your family and your friends. Practicing mindfulness and relaxation can help calm your mind, reduce stress and sharpen your ability to focus on what matters most to you.

So what exactly is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is slowing down to pay attention to what's going on right here, right now. Some of the benefits of mindfulness are that it can:

  • Reduce stress, anxiety and depression
  • Increase positive emotions and enjoyment in daily life
  • Encourage healthier eating habits
  • Improve relationships
  • Help people quit smoking

Below are some imagery and relaxation exercises that may alleviate stress and help you cope with cancer and treatment.

Getting Started




Breathing and Muscle Tensing

  • Get into a comfortable position where you can relax your muscles. Close your eyes and clear your mind of distractions. You can sit up or lie down. If you're lying down, you may want to put a small pillow under your neck and knees.

Slow Rhythmic Breathing

  • Remain relaxed and begin breathing slowly and comfortably, taking about nine to 12 breaths a minute. To maintain a slow, even rhythm, you can silently say to yourself, "In, one, two. Out, one, two."
  • To end the session, count silently and slowly from one to three. Open your eyes. Say to yourself, "I feel alert and relaxed." Begin moving slowly.




  • Close your eyes and breathe slowly. As you breathe in, say silently and slowly to yourself, "In, one, two," and as you breathe out, say "Out, one, two." Do this for a few minutes.

To end the imagery, count slowly to three, breathe in deeply, open your eyes, and say silently to yourself, "I feel alert and relaxed."

*Exercises adapted from the National Cancer Institute and American Cancer Society.

what to expect


Stay safe