One way is to talk to other people in your situation. Join a support group or participate in an online chat with other women who are in your same position. Just sharing your anxiety can often make you fell better. You may want to discuss your fears with a therapist to learn coping techniques or meet with a minister or rabbi for spiritual guidance.
Another ways is to take steps to improve your mental and physical health. Rethink your eating and exercise habits. If you smoke stop; if you drink do so in moderation. There are a number of foods and supplements you can incorporate into your diet to help reduce your chances of recurrence. (We explore this topic in depth in the section on alternative and complementary medicine.)
Try to control your stress level through relaxations techniques, such as guided imagery and meditation. Exercise is one of the most effective means of diffusing stress. You may want to try activities that combine combining exercise and mediation, like yoga, tai chi or qi gong. Many of these activities are offered at local YMCAs.
The power of positive thinking cannot be overstated. One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself is to begin focusing on the strength of your body rather than your fears that it will succumb to illness. Mediation and visualization can be useful tools in increasing your positive energy flow. Close your eyes and imagine your body getting stronger each day. Picture your cells lifting weights and running laps. You will be amazed how your conviction that you are well and strong will influence your body to heal and fortify. While you may never be able to completely eliminate the fears of recurrence, positive thinking and thoughtful lifestyle changes will go along way to freeing your mind from anxiety.
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