Each of us, no matter our age or location, are currently experiencing a loss of control. We are no longer able to gather with friends, family or coworkers. Our anticipated plans to attend concerts, conferences, or family vacations have been cancelled. We are no longer able to meet friends for lunch, a day of shopping at the mall or a visit to the museum.
This loss of control can be disappointing, frustrating, unnerving, and even frightening. When we feel like our circumstances are out of our control, it often helps to recognize and focus on what we do have control over. Do we have control over anything right now?? YES!! We have control over our physical and emotional health and wellbeing.
In a recent Myeloma Crowd Radio show myeloma specialist Joshua Richter, M.D of the Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai shared recommendations of what myeloma patients (and all of us) can do to stay healthy during this time. He recommends following, “The three general principles of life, eat well, sleep well and get exercise…”.
Taking a few simple daily actions to focus on these three areas can reap a significant impact in each of our lives as we navigate unchartered territory.
A fourth principle I’d like to add to Dr. Richter’s list is emotional health and wellness.
“When you can’t control what’s happening, challenge yourself to control the way you respond to what’s happening. That’s where your power is.” -Unknown
about the author
Rozalynn Hite
Rozalynn Hite is the Myeloma Coach Director and wife of myeloma patient Richard Hite. Rozalynn is an occupational therapist and mother of three beautiful children.
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