10 Activities to Help Cancer Patients Relax During Chemotherapy

How can you make the best use of your time while receiving treatment at the chemotherapy center?

During each chemotherapy session, time may pass more slowly because you have nothing else you need to do. Especially if you led an active life before becoming ill, sitting still for several hours may be difficult. Let us look together at 10 activities to make this process easier to cope with.

1- Reading

Whether books, newspapers, magazines or comics, you can read anything you enjoy. You may even like audiobook applications, which are becoming increasingly common. If reading a book given by a friend or following current events in newspapers is not enjoyable, you do not have to do it. Choose a kind of material that arouses your curiosity, engages you and interests you. This way, time will pass faster while you enjoy learning new things.

2- Writing

Writing and keeping a diary have a therapeutic effect. They are among the best ways to express and communicate your feelings, experiences and emotions. As you feel relief after writing, your time will pass both productively and more quickly. You can share your writing on a blog, or write and share letters or cards with loved ones. Even if you prefer not to share it, we still recommend writing as a beneficial activity during chemotherapy.

3- Drawing / Coloring

Art contributes to emotional well-being and, when practiced regularly, physical recovery as well. During chemotherapy, with a small sketchbook and a few colored pencils, you can doodle, make a picture you have long wanted to create or express the feelings caused by your physical illness through your chosen colors. This can help you relax, enjoy your time and relieve stress. Do not say you have no talent: the point here is not to make a beautiful picture; scribbling what is on your mind or even coloring in a ready-made mandala will help.

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4- Handicrafts

You can create new things through knitting, sewing, designing hats or making photo albums. This can make your time more worthwhile and enjoyable. Giving what you make to loved ones can strengthen your positive relationships.

5- Listening to Music

The right kind of music has the healing power of music . You can prepare a playlist of songs that make you happy and relaxed to listen to during chemotherapy. The right music relaxes you emotionally and mentally. We do not recommend listening to melancholic, sad music that brings back unhappy memories.

6- Watching Series / Films

You can use the facilities where you receive treatment or bring your own computer or tablet to enjoy a series or film. Award-winning, inspirational or comedy series and films can make time pass more pleasantly and quickly.

7- Prayer, Meditation and Visualization

During this anxious and stressful period, you can pray according to your beliefs, meditate or use visualization to take your mind off your difficult situation. These methods can help free you from negative feelings, lower stress and improve your emotional state. For example, close your eyes and think of the place on earth where you feel happiest; imagine being there, with the wind, birdsong, surroundings, people and colors, or design it from scratch. A sleep mask and a lap blanket may help you focus on your feelings and relax.

8- Play Games

If you want to be alone, you can play games such as jigsaw puzzles or sudoku; otherwise, play your favorite games such as backgammon or cards with other patients or relatives. During this difficult period, these games you enjoy and focus on can become an engaging and entertaining activity.

9- Internet and Communication

You can browse the internet, look at news, photos, new developments, a recipe that interests you or virtual art exhibitions, and communicate with friends on social media. Connecting with other people can be another way to help you feel good. Alternatively, you can take care of tasks that require sitting at your computer, such as organizing files or photo albums you have long needed to sort, deleting unnecessary records and clearing your email.

10- Sleep, Rest

Treatment side effects may cause extreme tiredness, nausea and fatigue. You can try sleeping in the clothes you feel most comfortable in, with earplugs to avoid being disturbed by sounds.

Not only patients but their family members will also benefit greatly from these activities. Before chemotherapy, while still at home, you can plan what to do and make better use of the time.