Forget New Year’s resolutions, I’m putting my mental health first
WHY would I set myself up to fail? Life is tough enough as it is, living with cancer. I don’t need the pressure of New Year’s resolutions as well. Last year I gave it a go – surviving cancer, that was my aim. It was more of a wish than a resolution, and I’ve never […]
WHY would I set myself up to fail?
Life is tough enough as it is, living with cancer. I don’t need the pressure of New Year’s resolutions as well.
Last year I gave it a go – surviving cancer, that was my aim.
It was more of a wish than a resolution, and I’ve never been happier to have one come true.
This year, I have vowed to get on with my life and look forward to my future for the first time in three years.
Rather than living month by month, I want to try and plan ahead, make changes and be positive about what my 2020 holds.
The idea of grand resolutions is daunting, a slight slip up and you feel like you’ve failed. That’s why I have decided to focus on new habits, instead.
That means gradually building these changes into my life, rather than trying to force it from January 1.
Even if it takes me a few weeks to get into the swing of it, even if I don’t really start properly until February, it’s not the end of the world.
For me, trying to keep a grip on that positive mindset is my biggest challenge.
So when thinking about the new habits I want to try and set myself this year, it’s all about supporting that positive mindset.
First up… get active
Whenever my mental health is on the rocks, which happens a lot, I find exercise is key – it’s some of the best medicine.
If I can run to the hospital to pick up my latest scan results, it’s my way of shoving two fingers up at whatever cancer I fear is growing inside.
So instead of Dry January, I am signing up to Red January in support of the charity Mind – and trying to get out an exercise every day.
It’s not as hard as it sounds. If you’re not into running or the gym just getting out for a short walk is enough.
The point is you do as much or as little as you want or fancy doing.
Whenever my mental health is on the rocks, which happens a lot, I find exercise is key – it’s some of the best medicine
It’s not about losing weight, it’s about how being active can keep your mind healthy.
Living with, and navigating the minefield that is cancer is a huge challenge.
I know I’m not the only one. Apparently more than half of us cancer patients need help at some stage with our mental health.
So, if you like me, are one of those patients – know you’re not alone and know you can ask for help.
Speak up, find someone you trust and confide in them.
And maybe just trying getting outside, in the fresh air to get active.
It’s why I run, it makes me feel free. Like I can achieve anything – I notice such a difference.
Secondly… get fibre fit
Another way I know I can support my positive mindset is by focusing on my diet.
I’m not talking weight loss here – it’s not about shedding a few pounds, that’s the least of my worries.
Living with stage 4 bowel cancer means I am more aware of my guts than ever before.
And so I was shocked to find out nine in 10 people don’t eat enough fibre.
It’s vital – it keeps our guts healthy, and not eating enough increases your risk of bowel cancer – as well as other forms of the disease – heart disease and diabetes.
It can even help your mental health, a healthy gut creates a happy mind. Really!
Like with all healthy and sustainable diets, it’s not about a quick fix. My aim is to eat a more varied diet, think lots of different colours and types of food.
Fibre comes in all shapes and sizes, from rye breads to avocados to veg.
So instead a weight loss diet, I’m focusing on upping the amount of fibre I eat every day – aiming for the gold standard of 30g a day.
Top tip though if you want to follow suit… build up to that 30g a day, or you’ll fart a lot!
Thirdly… listen to my body
In the wise words of Michelle Obama, “we need to do a better job of putting ourselves first on our to do list”.
I spotted this quote on The Eve Appeal, a wonderful charity that raises funds and awareness of the five gynae cancers – womb, cervical, vulval, ovarian and vaginal.
And it came with a simple To Do list for the New Year, that I have decided to adopt – as one of my healthy habits.
It includes listening to our bodies, getting any symptoms checked and booking in for a smear test.
Early diagnosis can save lives – it even prevents some cancers in their tracks.
It’s a no brainer, really. A simple thing we can all do to reduce our risk.
It’s OK to dodge grand resolutions
I’m giving myself a break, no grand resolutions from me for 2020 – rather just a promise to myself to be kind and look after myself.
No pressure, trying not to look back and focusing all my energy on looking forwards.
It’s not easy and I will inevitably have bad days, but every extra day I get with my kids, husband, family and friends is a bonus in my eyes.
THINGS CANCER MADE ME SAY
My aim is to try and forget about the cancer and just be normal, to celebrate each and every day and make the most of life.
Will I live another 366 days this year to celebrate another New Year, who knows?
If my biggest achievement to come out of 2020 is staying alive, then I’ll take it and run.
So, here’s to the future and whatever it brings… and here’s to clinging on to hope, that it’s long and prosperous.