Meditation for better living with illness: instructions for use
By : Vik
Almost 2 years ago
"Hello!!! ☀️
My name is Eléonore. I too live with a chronic disease following a cancer that left me with a leg scar. During In my journey, it is the practice of a regular physical activity that has changed my life as a patient!
This month I recommend meditation which has helped me to better manage pain and stress.
Meditation is a sport for the brain and requires "training" so I advise you to practice regularly, 10 minutes a day to obtain noticeable effects. With a little more experience you can meditate anywhere, even in the car to go to your medical appointments!
Meditation is used in many hospitals to help patients relax before surgery or during treatment.
It consists of keeping your attention in the present moment and observing the weak signals around you, such as the movement of your stomach while breathing. It is not necessary to try to clear your mind, but rather to let thoughts, sensations and feelings pass by without dwelling on them.
Do you want to try it? Settle down in a quiet, comfortable place where you can build your own little personal bubble.
THE POSITION
You can choose the cross-legged position, or even the lotus position, but you can also sit on a chair if it is more comfortable. I don't recommend lying down because it makes you fall asleep.
POSTURE
If it is possible for you, think about keeping your back straight and lengthening your spine. Hold this position, and relax the rest of your body.
EYES CLOSED OR OPEN
The most common way to practice meditation is with your eyes closed, but you can also keep your eyes open if you feel more comfortable by letting your gaze focus on a point in front of you or on the ground.
WHAT NEXT? WHAT DO I DO?
Contrary to many preconceived ideas, it is not a matter of not thinking about anything.
Mindfulness meditation is about keeping your attention in the present moment and observing the weak signals around you. It is not necessary to try to empty your mind but rather to let thoughts, sensations and feelings pass by without dwelling on them.
SET A TIME BEFORE YOU START AND A SCHEDULE
Set an alarm on your phone, even for a short time, to detach yourself from timing. Set a daily schedule before or after another activity you do every day like brushing your teeth, taking a shower.
To summarize, here are the 5 benefits of meditation as a patient:
1- It improves sleep
2- It activates the senses
3- It helps you feel your body
4- It reduces stress
5- It helps to manage pain
If you feel like getting started here are 3 apps I recommend! 👇🏻
I TAKE A BREAK: the first app to accompany healthcare meditation, created by a friend, Emilie, who was affected by breast cancer.
PETIT BAMBOU: which offers guided or free meditation sessions, as well as many sound environments to relax and refocus on oneself.
MIND: which offers a whole cycle of meditation to facilitate sleep.
See you soon,"
Eléonore ❤️
All the articles
There is no such thing as a small victory when you are a patient
How to continue making plans despite the disease? This is the question that psycho-oncologist Giacomo Di Falco answers in this article!
Preserving your relationship when living with a disease
Living with a disease can be a strain on both partners in a relationship. Here are a few tips to avoid falling into traps that could harm the longevity of your relationship.
Asthma: 4 tips for a better life during the winter
Winter is here and the air is dry and cold: a known trigger for asthma attacks. Meet Aurélien, Doctor of Pharmacy and medical product manager for asthma. In this article, he shares his tips on how to cope during winter with your asthma.
How to better apprehend Blue Monday?
Blue Monday is knownto be the most depressing day of the year. Although this idea has no scientific basis, it is true that at this time of year we lack light, it is often cold, and moreover the month of January seems like a “full of Mondays” month.
Conscious walking: recharge your energy while walking
In this article, Eleonore, a chronically ill cancer patient, introduces you to the practice of conscious walking (also called Afghan walk) and its health benefits.
How does winter affect libido?
Loss of sexual desire, depression, fatigue, mood disorders and a reduced immune system are all signs that can manifest during winter, when there is less natural light. Read all the tips from sexologist Sebastien Landry to protect your libido during winter.