‘Self Care Is A Way To Treat Yourself’: Dr. Marianna Strongin on the Importance of Self-Care

In a recent conversation with SurvivorNet, licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Marianna Strongin talked about what it means to be a “cancer patient” and how self-care can help people step outside of that label. Being a cancer patient is “a difficult identity to have with you at all times,” she said. Cancer can be all-encompassing, meaning it can hijack your mental energy and fill your schedule. Dr. Strongin says that practicing self-care can help you take back control.

Dr. Strongin recommends thinking of self-care in the context of the things in life that bring you the most joy. It doesn’t necessarily mean pampering yourself. It’s more important to find opportunities to be playful and joyful to embrace the child within yourself.

According to Dr. Strongin, “Self-care allows (people with cancer) to take on a different role where they are proactively giving back to their body, giving back to their mind, whatever that might be.”

Self-care Is Closely Linked to Good Emotional Health

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) offers additional guidance for ways to practice self-care.

Regularly ask yourself, “How am I feeling?” and work through why you feel that way regardless of whether those feelings are negative or positive. For example, if you are feeling hopeful and optimistic, you may ask yourself why. One possible reason is that you have to have lunch with a close family member or a close friend. The same can be said if you’re feeling sad or angry; ask yourself why that is.

“Checking in with yourself is being mindful of what your body is telling you. The more you check in with yourself, the more aware you’ll be that you need a break. Sometimes, rest and quiet time is all you need to feel rejuvenated,” the NCI says.

Examples of self-care may include:

• Exercising
• Sleeping
• Maintaining a healthy diet
• Meditation
• Engage in activities that bring you happiness (hobbies, spending time with loved ones, etc)
• Practicing gratitude
• Staying positive

As we mentioned previously, self-care is closely linked to your emotional (mental) health.

Mental health refers to both your emotional and psychological well-being. Our mental health can affect how we think, feel, and behave. Certain triggers like stress, traumatic events, or changes in your physical health can affect your mental health. It’s really important to keep tabs on your mental health and, if necessary, seek treatment from a mental health professional.

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