Help with anxiety and stress

Feelings of anxiety and worry can be common for those with life limiting illness. Being faced with unexpected changes can lead to overwhelm and upset, causing problems with concentration, irritability and being easily distracted. Being stressed can also affect physical symptoms such as feeling tired and tense with difficulty sleeping.

If you are experiencing any of these you might like to try some of the below ideas to see if they help. You can also seek support from our Counselling, Bereavement, and Spiritual Support service, or the Complementary Therapy team.

Self-management of relaxation with hand and foot reflexology

Reflexology is a therapy that uses the feet and hands to treat the whole body. It is based on the principle that areas act as a map with specific points or reflexes, corresponding to systems and organs of the body. In our video resources below, you can take a look at our simple routines that will help you to relax and release tension (written instructions are also available). You can try the techniques yourself, or a loved one can do them with you.

Soothing scents: Think about your favourite aromas that help you to relax or connect with a happy memory. This may be a perfume, candle, cup of coffee, walk in the woods or a rose bush. We all have an individual sense of smell and natural aromas are very calming to mind and body. Try to recreate these comforting scents and spend a moment just focusing on the aroma. Settle somewhere comfortable, close your eyes and take some full, steady breaths. You could even make your own portable version of your best scent, so you can benefit wherever you are.

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