Acts of joy to help you through cancer treatment

Taking care of your mental and emotional wellbeing during cancer treatment is important. Below are some suggested activities that can help to alleviate stress and anxiety, and bring you joy.

Drawing and colouring 

Creating, drawing and colouring can be relaxing and meditative. You may also have some art to hang on the wall when finished. Try drawing the settings around you, the things you dream about, your loved ones or something more abstract—the possibilities are endless! There are also adult colouring books that are widely popular and can be used as a welcome distraction. 

Knit or craft  

Many cancer patients enjoy knitting or crocheting during chemotherapy to pass the time. Origami is also a fun hobby to learn. These crafts keep the hands busy and you’ll be creating a fun product that could even be a gift. These activities also offer brain health benefits and help to maintain or improve memory and cognitive function. 

Write in a journal  

You don’t have to be a professional writer to enjoy journaling. Writing down your thoughts and feelings in a private journal can be a great activity to help with stress relief and reflection. You might like to start a gratitude journal and write down something that you are grateful for each day. When things are tough or looking down, you can browse through your journal for positive inspiration or encouragement. 

Complete a puzzle 

Completing puzzles like crosswords, jigsaws or sudoku are great to keep your mind busy and can also help maintain brain health. Puzzles don’t require too much energy and you can do them pretty much anywhere.  

Tend to your garden 

Gardening is another great activity, it’s physical but not too strenuous, and gets you to take a trip outside and enjoy some sunshine. Building and maintaining a home garden can be fun and bring a great sense of pride. Watch your plants grow and enjoy the beautiful colours they bring to your garden. Check with your cancer care team to make sure gardening is not too much exercise for you. 

Get inspired in the kitchen  

We know some cancer treatments can cause a change in appetite and impact your taste buds. But when you’re feeling up to it, why not try a new recipe or make your favourite dish and invite a person over for dinner who means a lot to you. Sharing a meal with someone, particularly one that you have prepared, can really boost your mood and give you a great sense of comfort.  

Explore your local area 

Go on a local adventure in your neighbourhood or local area. Maybe there’s a museum or park just waiting to be explored, or a new coffee shop might have opened that you’re keen to try. You can go at your own pace while exploring, depending on how you feel.  

Host a board game night 

If you’re feeling well enough, invite family and/or friends to a board game night. Board games can be relaxing or uplifting and energising – depending on the game being played. But there are also health benefits of playing board games, including improved cognition, which can assist with cancer treatment side effects like ‘chemo brain.’  

Enjoy a picnic 

A picnic will give you the opportunity to relax from the stress and busyness that cancer treatment can cause. A picnic can also be an opportunity to connect with others, the outdoors and get a good dose of Vitamin D. Take a blanket and even a pillow for a light nap in the sun so you don’t tire and feel like you need to rush home to rest.  

Create a music playlist 

Create music playlists for different moods. A relaxing one for when you’re feeling stressed, a happy one for when you’re feeling upbeat and a motivating one for when you need it.  

Learn a new language  

Download a language app and spend ten minutes a day studying a language you’ve always wanted to learn. Not only will learning a new language bring a great sense of achievement, it also helps to improve memory and brain function. 

Watch the sunrise or sunset  

Studies have shown that spending time in nature reduces stress hormones like cortisol. Gazing at a sunrise and sunset extends these benefits. The vibrant colours trigger the release of dopamine, a feel-good chemical in your brain that boosts mood and motivation.