How to Practice Self-care During Summertime

Tips on how a cancer patient can enjoy summer carelessly

The Importance Of “Self-Time”

The summertime is all about slowing down, kicking back and unwinding. It’s the season for barbecues, sand between your toes, boat rides, plunges into the pool and other relaxing and rejuvenating adventures. That’s how we all perceive it, and cancer patients are no exception to this rule. Whether we’re constantly crushing our workout, posting epic weekend adventures to Instagram, or working on some side-job, it’s easy to start feeling like we’re not keeping up. But self-care is just as important as everything else we do. So for this month, Hope & Beauty and Dr. Shyamali Singhal invites you to slow down and carve out a little time for yourself.

Vacation Brakes The Routine

Practicing self-care is something we should be doing all year round. But sometimes work, relationships and everyday hassles take up all of our free time. Now that summer is approaching, however, incorporating self-care into our routine has become a little bit easier. Vacation days give you breaks in your routine, warmer weather allows for more outdoors time, and summer's carefree, slow-mo vibe means fewer distractions from giving ourselves the care we need and deserve. "Self-care may mean different things to different people, but I consider it anything that you do to make yourself feel and function at your best," says Dr. Shyamali Singhal, surgical oncologist. 

Tips For A Good Vacation While Enduring Cancer Treatment 

Plan ahead: “Where one goes isn’t as important as the act itself, the act of taking the time to do something for ourselves,” said Dr. Singhal. For instance, take a road trip to a place that’s especially beautiful in the summertime, such as Minneapolis or Chicago. Or enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, and flavors of your own city. Make a list of activities you’d like to do, such as visit a museum, picnic in the park with loved ones, people-watch at a café or swing on the swings. Also, pay attention to the activities your town or city is offering. Many places have summer festivals with music, food, and fun.

Put technology aside: Everything seems to slow down a little bit in the summer, so it might be a good time to try experimenting with different ways to take a break from the constant motion of the hectic work schedule of the rest of the year,” said Dr. Singhal. For instance, she suggested experimenting with not using technology, such as your smartphone, laptop or tablet, an hour or two before bed. Also, try taking an entire day off from technology either each week or on your summer vacation. “Let your co-workers and family members know ahead of time that you won’t be on email during that time, and give yourself a chance to reconnect with yourself and your loved ones,” Dr. Singhal said.

When working, particularly as a business owner, engage in projects that will provide the biggest benefits. That’s what Dr. Shyamali Singhal, drawing from her vast clinical experience working with cancer patients , suggests to all patients .“What I recommend is that cancer patients do take some extra downtime during the summer.” This could be anything from continuing to market your business (especially because few businesses market during the summer) to training employees to having lunch with your biggest clients, she said.

Dr. Shyamali suggests thinking about the summertime activities we used to love as a child. Was it riding bikes until dark? Visiting waterparks? Running through the sprinklers? Eating BBQ in the backyard? Whatever it is, connect to your inner child and do it.

 “The sound of moving water is soothing to the soul and helps bring clarity,”  Dr. Singhal said. Depending on where you live, this could be anything from a stream to the ocean, she said. Or it could be swimming in your own pool, a friend’s pool or a local community pool.

No Pressure Policy

Some cancer patients may not be able — or feel well enough — to take that long summer vacation right now. It's important to let the loved ones know how we're feeling. For example, tell them we'd prefer a shorter vacation and some relaxing rest time at home. Patients should make sure vacation expectations are realistic. Delegate food shopping and preparations, housework, and laundry to someone else. Build-in time for lots of sleep, delicious dinners, and fun conversations. Let your family know that you're looking forward to taking a vacation next summer, or in a different season. Vacation spots can be less crowded in the fall or winter. And you can take a winter vacation in a part of the world that's having summer! What about the tickets you paid for months ago or the rental house lease you signed? Is that money lost? Did you get travel insurance just in case? Many doctors are happy to write letters explaining your limitations on patients' behalf to help them get a refund. Dr. Singhal cautions that your chances of getting refunds may depend on the travel agency, airline, or realty company handling the arrangements. "Most people have pretty good luck," she says, adding that social workers in cancer centers often help with this problem as well.

Prioritize Yourself

The most important thing for a cancer patient is to remember that they need to do what feels right for them this summer. If they feel that they just need to get away from it all for a while, patients should see if they can start chemotherapy or radiation a week or two later than planned. If they focus on their needs and let the loved ones and doctors know their desires and limits, they will be able to help patients make this a relaxing and enjoyable summer season. “Sometimes the best way to nurture yourself is to do something outside of your comfort zone,” Dr. Singhal said. For instance, “join a summer league where you don’t know anyone; bring in watermelon or another summer treat to the office; run a race; try a new sport; experience the great outdoors in a new way like hiking, camping, backyard or rooftop camping or fishing.” This summer consider the activities that will nurture your needs, and help you enjoy yourself!