An article brought to you by Dara Kurtz. Dara Kurtz is a breast cancer survivor and provides Survivor Mentorship & Support at Cancer Services.
Take Charge of Your Heart
A cancer diagnosis can impact the way you feel about your body, your future, and even your sense of self. Through challenging treatments, recovery, and survivorship, a cancer patient goes through a lot. This can impact your heart, both physically and emotionally.
In the month of February, when love is on our minds, we’re focusing on ways to nurture your heart. Taking charge of your heart isn’t just about medical care. It’s also about showing yourself self-love, compassion, and honoring the journey you’ve been through.
What does self-love really mean? It means recognizing your strengths, listening to your body, honoring your journey, and making choices that support your overall well-being. Remember, you don’t have to pretend the hard parts didn’t happen. Sometimes, we hold ourselves to higher standards, but self-love is about treating yourself with the same kindness, patience, and respect you would offer to someone you care about.
Here are Simple Ways to Practice Self-Love
- Write a letter to yourself.
This can be a very powerful exercise. Grab a piece of paper or open a new document on your computer, and take the time to write to yourself. Acknowledge what you’ve been through on your cancer journey, telling yourself how proud you are of yourself. Recognize your strength, courage, and resilience. This is about celebrating your wins, not judging yourself. Let go of any regrets and focus on the positive.
- Learn how to take care of your heart health.
Some cancer treatments can impact the overall health of our hearts. Take the time to learn if the treatment you received could impact your heart health. Talk to your doctor or nurse navigator to learn if there’s anything you need to do to take extra care of your heart. In addition, focus on how you can tend to your heart through movement, stress management, and follow-up care.
- Practice kindness with yourself every day.
You might not be exactly where you want to be right now, and that’s OK. Give yourself permission to notice and celebrate your wins, making sure to nurture yourself. Take a break when you feel tired, let yourself say “no” to things you don’t want to do or don’t have to do, ask for support when you need it, and celebrate your milestones, big or small.
- Try to do something nice for yourself each day.
Take a walk outside, have a hot cup of tea, call a friend, or read something inspirational. Remember, it doesn’t have to be something big.
- Attend a Cancer Services heart-healthy cooking class.
Food plays an important role in our health, and this month, we’re focusing on heart-healthy cooking during our February cooking classes. Learn how to eat in a way that supports your heart health, while connecting to other community members. Magical things happen when survivors spend time together, and an educational and fun cooking class is a great opportunity to practice self-love.
Remember, you’ve been through a lot, and your heart has taken you this far. Now it’s time to intentionally show it a little extra love, through knowledge and nourishment. You deserve a future filled with health, hope, and self-love, and Cancer Services can provide all the tools you need to help you reach your goals.
To register for February Events, such as our cooking class, click on the link HERE.
Dara Kurtz is a breast cancer survivor and provides Survivor Mentorship & Support at Cancer Services. To read more tips from Dara Kurtz, check out our Empowered Living Page. You can also check out her substack page here!
