5-Minute Stress Relief Practices for Cancer Patients

You don’t need a 60-minute yoga session to feel better. Sometimes, just 5 minutes can calm your nervous system and reset your energy. Try these bite-sized practices wherever you are.

1. 4-7-8 Breathing

Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8. Do this 4 times. It helps activate your parasympathetic nervous system—your body’s natural "rest mode."

2. Neck & Hand Massage

Gently roll your shoulders and massage your hands or jaw. Use calming essential oils (like lavender) if desired.

3. Visualization

Close your eyes. Picture yourself in a place that feels safe and peaceful—like the beach or a forest. Breathe into that feeling.

4. Finger Tapping (EFT-style)

Gently tap your fingertips against your sternum or temples while repeating calming phrases like “I am safe” or “This moment is enough.”

5. Grounding Affirmations

Try repeating:

“I am more than my diagnosis.”“My body is doing its best.”