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Managing both lung cancer treatment and the push and pull of everyday life can be a recipe for overwhelming stress. On top of the usual pressures at work and at home, you may be juggling numerous appointments and managing symptoms. Simply put, it can be a battle not to feel overwhelmed.

Finding ways to infuse moments of calm into your day can help you feel more centered and grounded. Try these methods to reduce stress and promote a sense of peace.

Breathe In, Breathe Out

Focused, intentional breathing can help take your mind off your worries and bring your attention to the present. Breathing exercises can offer physical benefits for lung cancer patients by keeping the lungs fit and boosting endurance. They can also induce relaxation, lower stress and curb anxiety. To start, try inhaling for five seconds, holding that breath for two seconds, and then exhaling slowly through your mouth for five seconds.

Spend Time Outdoors

Find a comfortable place to sit outside or take a short walk under a canopy of trees. Research shows even 20 minutes in nature can lower stress levels. You don’t have to go deep into the woods to feel better—even green spaces in urban settings, like a local park or a shaded courtyard can work.

Try Music Therapy

Whether you prefer listening to music or making music yourself, sound can have a powerful and positive effect. Music and soothing sounds have been shown to help patients cope with symptoms, reduce anxiety and depression, and ease into a meditative state. You can talk to your treatment team to connect with a sound therapist or engage with music on your own. If the latter, try digging up old favorites to make special playlists or tune in to streaming stations made specifically for relaxation and meditation.

Let The Words Flow

For some patients, writing can provide a creative release that helps them unload their worries, process emotions and focus on the positive. Studies show journaling may reduce stress and fatigue and help you sleep better. Try timing yourself and writing whatever comes to mind for a few minutes each day, or starting a gratitude journal where you reflect on what’s going well.

Make an Appointment To Relax

Schedule time each day to do something you enjoy. Maybe it’s a half-hour of reading in a cozy spot after dinner or early morning gardening. Creating this routine gives you a time to look forward to—a dedicated moment when you can let your mind unwind.

Feelings of stress, worry, and fatigue are common during the cancer journey. Identifying calming techniques that work for you can provide important balance, helping you feel more ready to take on the next challenge.