From the Community: 6 Ways to Practice Self-Care

From positive affirmations to taking plenty of breaks, the Bezzy BC Community shares what self-care techniques work best for them.

When you live with a chronic condition like breast cancer, self-care is just as important to your health as your medications and treatment plan. But life is busy, and you may not have time to prioritize self-care as much as you should.

Practicing self-care and self-love can help you and boost your mood and mental health.

Self-care comes in many forms. From meditating to taking walks to finding new hobbies, the options are endless.

The Bezzy BC community understands just how important self-care can be during your breast cancer journey. Here are a few ways members take time for themselves.

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Prioritize rest

“My self-care is recognizing when I should ask for help or leave something for another day. Just because I can physically do all the things doesn’t mean I should exhaust myself. I’m getting better at prioritizing my rest/recovery after each treatment.” — Elizabeth E., Bezzy BC community member

Don’t go through this alone

“Honestly, I’m terrible at self-care and don’t know where to start. My first step was joining this group and permitting myself to speak about it [breast cancer] without faking positivity for the benefit of those around me. I admit that I need support, and I’m not really ‘fine’ on my own. I think self-care comes in so many different shapes and sizes.” — Danielle, Bezzy BC community member

Begin the day with positive affirmations

“I adopted a grounding activity every morning. I read from a devotional book that helps begin the day with a positive affirmation and a breathing exercise to calm my body and mind. This present-focused approach has helped me stay engaged with the day I’ve been granted without thinking beyond the next few steps. It allows me to feel my way through versus thinking my way through.” — Deliaalg, Bezzy BC community member

Keep a good balance

“It depends on you because everyone is different. Keep balance but be kind to yourself! If weight is not an issue, have the dessert. If you enjoy working out, go for it. If you hate working out, curl up with a good book. Small pleasures = self-care and self-comfort.” — SusieQHowRU, Bezzy BC community member

Be kind to yourself

“Since my cancer diagnosis, I’ve been kinder to myself. I mentally give myself compliments, and when I have self-degrading thoughts, I talk about it. Never in my life have I been very good at fully loving myself until this past year. It’s been a gift out of this madness called breast cancer.” — Jenny Chorba, Bezzy BC community member

Spend time with loved ones

“I’m retired, so I enjoy a lot of free time. I indulge myself by reading, exercising, baking, and visiting wineries with my husband. I have a group of friends I made while teaching at Lindenwood University whom I meet with every 2 weeks. They’re the best medicine in the world besides my husband.” — Christina99, Bezzy BC Ambassador

The bottom line

Taking care of yourself — physically, mentally, and emotionally — is crucial, especially when you live with breast cancer. The best self-care technique is one that brings you joy and moments of calm.

As always, we’re here for you at Bezzy. You’re not on this journey alone.