Blog
In honor of National Cancer Survivors Day 2021, I wanted to share a few thoughts that, as a survivor, people should understand. Life after a cancer diagnosis is never the same and the experience is different for everyone. Regardless of how it’s different for each cancer survivor, there are some common things that are true for most.
The year 2020 is finally coming to a close. I’m sure many of us never thought we would say that! This year has been full of ups and downs, emotional breakthroughs and hopefully, some wins. Learning to navigate through struggles is never easy but often where we find our strengths and can be the most rewarding. No matter what burdens, stresses and lessons this past year has taught us, reflecting on the past and celebrating the incoming new year seems to be a great way to create a vision of exactly what you are ready to accomplish in 2021!
If you have been blessed with one person in life that “gets you,” that you can feel safe to discuss your truth with, consider yourself fortunate. Know that this foundation that provides a healthy example of love and friendship can ensure that throughout your life, you will always be alright. That person was 100 percent my grandmother, Omi (Omi means grandma in German).
COVID-19 (coronavirus) has created tremendous stress for people, from worries about contracting the virus to maintaining a job and managing kids at home. There is a large percentage of Americans that have an added layer of stress during the pandemic due to living with a compromised immune system. Those taking biologic drugs for autoimmune conditions may not necessarily be more susceptible to contracting coronavirus, but have a higher chance of experiencing serious complications if they do.
Being physically isolated from loved ones for an extended period of time is something most Americans have never experienced. Though uncomfortable, the distress you may be feeling is a normal response to the situation. It doesn’t mean that there’s anything “wrong” with you. Yet, the encouragement just given was spoken to me by several friends on many phone calls during my first weekend alone.
Our overall health relies heavily on the overall state of our emotions. Finding ways to be optimistic and positive can greatly strengthen your immune system. "Burnout" is an official diagnosis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), meaning workers can receive short-term disability from basically becoming overly stressed out in life, on the job or a combination of the two. There’s little doubt the extent of COVID-19 came about due to the overwhelming research that shows stress causes chronic illnesses.
The holiday season was filled with countless social activities for most of us, and this may have brought on a lot of anxiety. Whether it’s family drama, being around someone you feel doesn’t like you, or just overall social anxieties, you may have dreaded getting ready for that dinner party. I get it—this causes me stress too! Rather than going into these situations with a negative outlook, it’s important to change the perspective. Understanding what makes us likable by using proven and scientifically studied techniques in terms of how people connect with one another, is important.
I recently went on a trip to the Washington D.C. area and had read a lot about the Eastern Market—a trendy area of town that hosts what seemed like a really cool farmers’ market. Naturally, I was really looking forward to checking it out. I’m always curious to see what the latest food trends are in various areas around the country and farmers’ markets are the perfect place to take it all in.
