Benefits of Meditation and Relaxation for

Mesothelioma

Today’s Moderator:Dana Nolan, MS LMHC

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

What Is Meditation?

Meditation is the practice of concentrated focus on a single point of reference.

Common areas of focus:BreathingWord or phrase (mantra)ObjectSoundMovementAttention and mindfulness

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How Do You Meditate?

Sit or lie down comfortablyEnsure a quiet and peaceful environmentClose your eyes and breathe regularlyNotice your breath flowing in and outFocus your attention on the subject of your

meditation (sound, word, body sensation or movement)

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Mindfulness Meditationand Cancer

Research shows mindfulness meditation for cancer patients promotes relaxation.

Some cancer patients prefer to focus their meditation on a word such as “peace,” “health,” “strength,” “love” or the name of a higher power.

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What Is Relaxation?

It has many definitions. The “relaxation response” is what we are usually

trying to achieve when we attempt to relax. In 1975, Dr. Herbert Benson wrote “The Relaxation

Response,” which describes the scientific benefits. It is the opposite of the “flight or fight” response

we feel when we are stressed or panicked.

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What Is Relaxation? (cont.)A physical state of deep rest that changes a

person’s physical and emotional response to a stressor.

When the relaxation response is activated, we experience lower:Blood pressureHeart rate Oxygen consumption

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How Can We Achieve the Relaxation Response?

Relaxation Exercises:Progressive muscle relaxationPassive muscle relaxationDeep diaphragmatic breathing Guided imagery

Yoga and tai chiMeditation

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How Can We Achieve the Relaxation Response? (cont.)Activities that utilize repetitive movements:

Knitting, needlepoint, coloring, painting, fishing and walking

Quiet, passive and peaceful activities:Sitting alone by a lake or at the oceanLying on a blanket in a park

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Find Your Own Way to Relax

Not all relaxation exercises work for everyone. If you don’t like the beach, you won’t find it

peaceful to sit there and watch the waves crashing.

If you tend to manifest your stress more physically, such as muscle tension, then meditation or mindfulness may not be as useful as muscle relaxation.

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Relaxation for Cancer Patients

The National Cancer Institute provides information on relaxation for cancer patients.Link shared in chat box: (www.cancer.gov/about-

cancer/coping/feelings/relaxation)Many comprehensive cancer centers offer

relaxation or meditation classes for their patients and caregivers.

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Research

Research conducted since the 1980s has shown activities that promote relaxation help cancer patients:Improve sleepManage painFeel more at peaceFeel less stressed

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Contact Information

1-877-626-5916

(877) 626-5916

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