When you’re undergoing cancer treatment, each day asks something different of you. Some mornings, a short walk feels feasible, while it may not on other days. But you don’t need a perfect routine to support your body and your spirit — you need small, kind choices that meet you where you are.
This article provides gentle, practical ideas you can tailor with your care team to help you feel a little better while your treatment does its work. Think relief you can feel today and resilience you can build over time: soothing nausea with foods that go down more easily, finding a wind-down routine that actually helps you sleep, protecting your skin and energy level when you step outside, taking a few slow breaths when stress spikes, and accepting help in ways that lighten your load.
1) Incorporate light exercise regularly
Light movement can ease fatigue and lift your mood. Try a 10-minute walk, slow stretches, or light band work on days you feel up to it. If you have a treatment line (port/PICC) or you’re noticing balance or nerve changes, ask your team for modifications or a referral to an oncology-trained exercise specialist.2,3
2) Build a plate that fuels recovery
Aim to fuel your body with a variety of colorful produce, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. On low-appetite days, focus on small, frequent meals and softer textures — scrambled eggs, Greek yogurt, smoothies, or soups. An oncology dietitian can tailor eating ideas to side effects like taste changes, mouth soreness, or nausea. Guidance like this aligns with patient-friendly lifestyle tips shared by state cancer coalitions.1
3) Treat sleep like part of your plan
Create a gentle wind-down routine: dim the lights, try a few slow breaths, or put on relaxing music. Keep your bedroom cool and dark. If steroids or worries are keeping you up, tell your care team — sometimes a change in medication timing, a short daytime nap, or a brief period of relaxation earlier in the evening can make nights more restful.2
4) Get fresh air and protect your skin
Time outdoors can lift your mood and help reset your sleep-wake rhythm. Treatments can increase your sun sensitivity, so opt for shade when you can and use SPF, a wide-brim hat, and protective clothing. Hydrate before you head out or bring a water bottle, and keep your outings short on high-UV or high-heat days.2
5) Practice stress relief routines
Keep your strategy simple and repeatable: box breathing, a brief body scan or check-in, journaling, calming music, or guided imagery. Pair a practice with something you already do — like after brushing your teeth or before lunch — so it’s sustainable without feeling like another task. Leading cancer centers highlight journaling, gentle activity, and nature time as realistic ways to support well-being.3
6) Stay tobacco-free and limit alcohol
Avoiding tobacco (including secondhand smoke) and keeping alcohol low — or skipping it altogether — supports healing and may lower infection risk. If it’s tough to cut back, your care team can connect you with free quitlines, counseling, or medications that fit your treatment schedule.2
7) Keep up with vaccines and preventive care
Your team will tell you which vaccines and screenings make sense during your treatment. Staying up to date reduces your chance of getting avoidable infections that could interrupt your healing. If you’re unsure, bring it up at your next visit — there’s no such thing as a “small” question.2
8) Lean on your support system
Let people help in practical ways: meals, rides, childcare, laundry, and note-taking at appointments. If your circle is small, ask your clinic about patient navigators, social workers, or in-person or virtual support groups.
9) Report symptoms early and often
Track your side effects, pain levels, medications, and questions in a notebook or your phone’s Notes app. Share changes with your care team right away — early tweaks (adjusting anti-nausea med timing, adding mouth rinses, refining skincare, or changing a dose, for example) can prevent bigger problems and keep you more comfortable.2
Planning for cancer-related expenses
Treatment often involves everyday costs — travel and parking, time off work, over-the-counter items, nutrition consultations, and more. If you’re wondering, “Can I get cancer insurance after diagnosis?,” know that most supplemental policies are purchased before a diagnosis and may include waiting periods or pre-existing condition limits. Because details vary by state and product, a licensed agent can be helpful to explain what’s available now and what to consider for the future. You can also ask your center’s financial counselor about assistance programs, transportation help, and community grants that can ease costs today.
If you’re comparing policies, look beyond the premium to the whole picture — benefit amounts, exclusions, any waiting periods, and the overall cancer insurance cost over time. A licensed agent can walk you through the options in plain language so you can easily weigh fit and budget while you stay focused on healing.
How to start today
Choose one small habit that feels doable this week: a 10-minute walk, a protein-rich snack, sunscreen for a short step outside, or three slow breaths before bed. Aim for consistency, and don’t worry about perfection. You can also share what’s working (and what isn’t) with your care team to find routines that work for you.
Sources:
1 Nevada Cancer Coalition — Lifestyle changes can help maintain, restore health after a cancer diagnosis. Updated January 1, 2024. https://www.nevadacancercoalition.org/blog/lifestyle-changes-can-help-maintain-restore-health-after-cancer-diagnosis. Accessed November 13, 2025.
2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Staying Healthy During Cancer Treatment. Updated August 25, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer-survivors/patients/staying-healthy-during-cancer-treatment.html. Accessed November 13, 2025.
3 Mass General Brigham — What Is the Role of Lifestyle Medicine in Cancer Care? Updated October 7, 2025. https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/cancer-holistic-lifestyle-management. Accessed November 13, 2025.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.
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Aflac life plans – A68000 series:
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