Can mindfulness and relaxation help people with cancer?

Many people with cancer and their caregivers have found that doing relaxation techniques or practicing meditation and mindfulness helps them lower stress and cope with anxiety. All are gentle ways people try to calm themselves and feel better.

Relaxation techniques include muscle tensing and release, breathing exercises, and guided imagery. In meditation, you focus your attention on something, such as a word, phrase, or your breathing. Mindfulness is a type of meditation based on having increased awareness of the present moment.

You do not need a lot of time to begin. Even doing just 5 or 10 minutes may help you feel better. Being mindful does not have to be done sitting still or in silence; you can do a walking meditation or blend mindfulness into everyday tasks like waiting in line or eating.

If you look for classes, videos, or apps, be careful to use only well-known sources or those from medical schools or universities. You can also ask your care team whether mind-body programs are available where you receive care.