Having breast cancer can lead to some unhappy days and moments. You might be wondering why you had to get cancer. Feeling hopeless and scared are common emotions when hearing a breast cancer diagnosis. However, how you decide to act after receiving your diagnosis important. I believe that it is necessary to find things that will help you fight self-pity, hopelessness, and sadness. Yes, it’s completely natural to feel hopeless and scared sometimes, but falling into a sadness every day is also not good for your mood or your mental health.

I believe that it is necessary to find things that will help you fight self-pity, hopelessness, and sadness. Yes, it’s completely natural to feel hopeless and scared sometimes, but falling into a sadness every day is also not good for your mood or your mental health.

Of course, I have bad days, but I try very hard to find the positive side of life. Breast cancer is scary and overwhelming — I certainly wished it would never exist. Now that you know that you have breast cancer, what are you going to do to help take care of your emotional health?

Here is a list I compiled to help your mood go from storm clouds to sunshine:

• Take a walk to anywhere, from five minutes to whatever you can endure. A change of scenery can inspire you and help clear your mind.
• Smell the flowers and enjoy nature. Taking the time to enjoy nature helps reconnect you to nature’s little miracles.
• Snuggle with your pet (if you have one). Pets give you unconditional love, and they care about you no matter how you feel.
• Cuddling with your spouse or significant other releases certain hormones in your brain that lift your mood. Never underestimate a good hug or cuddle.
• Paint anything that interests you or inspires you. Being creative can also clear your mind and relieve stress. You can hang it in your home or even give it away.
• Volunteering somewhere may help you to get your mind off your problems and focus on someone else who needs help. Plus, there is no better way to help you feel good than by making someone else a bit happier and loved.
• Write in a journal. Journals can help get thoughts on paper and de-stress. You can write as little or as much as you like.
• Take a mini-vacation or trip somewhere that you love or somewhere new. A change of scenery or change of routine can make a world of difference.
• Join a support group or some other hobby group that doesn’t involve cancer. Breast cancer support groups are excellent, but it is also nice to do something other than breast cancer discussions.
• Spend time with children. Children are vibrant and full of hope. Just being around them will improve your spirits and feed your soul.
• Start a blog about your experiences and feelings. Getting to know others by blogging is an excellent opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas.
• Enjoy your family and become the person that you always wanted to be. Embrace your inner mind and self to reach your highest potential.

I hope that you can find some happiness in your life by trying some of these, even if it makes you smile for just a little bit.

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Note: Breast Cancer News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Breast Cancer News, or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to breast cancer.