February is here, which means Valentine’s Day is around the corner. Valentine’s is a day that you either love or hate. And throwing the C-word into the mix can make it hard even when it’s something you’re usually excited for.
Breast cancer changes so many things about your life. For one, you’re faced with a life-threatening illness, but it also affects your body image, self-esteem and sex drive. It’s no surprise your intimate relationship with your partner can be impacted by these changes. And if you’re single, you’ve got the added fear of what a future relationship will look like now that you are in the cancer club.
Valentine’s day is probably not something you want to think about, but you can use it as a day to give your relationship a little TLC or to give your body and mind some self-care. Here are 10 low-key ideas you can do with your spouse, your friends, or yourself to make the dreaded February 14th bearable.
- Netflix and chill: Spend the night watching your favourite shows or movies. Make a bowl of popcorn, get cozy and binge.
- Games for everyone: Games are the best distraction. Not only do they come in all shapes and sizes, but they can exercise your brain and add a little excitement. If you’re spending the night alone, pick up a murder mystery computer game or check out this list of solo board games (yes, they exist!).
- Silent reading party: Fill the kettle, start the fire and read your way through Reese’s book club picks.
- Cook something new: Find a recipe you’ve always wanted to try and give it a go!
- Galentine’s Day: Regardless of your relationship status, good old-fashioned girl time with your best friends is required. If you don’t know what Galentine’s Day is click here, but you don’t need to know the show to embrace it!
- Make thank you’s for your support team: Dedicate the day to making something thoughtful as a way of saying thank you to everyone who has helped you out since your diagnosis. Bake something tasty, make homemade body scrubs, or simply write thank you cards to show your appreciation.
- Spend it with family: Getting a life-threatening illness can make you re-evaluate the things that are important in your life, and for many people, family is crucial. Spend some good quality time with those you love the most.
- Meditate: Try traditional meditation, yoga, qi gong, or whatever it is you do to help you reflect and relax. The important thing here is self-care.
- Volunteer: If you’ve got the energy to leave the house, pay it forward.
- Sleep: We get it, cancer is exhausting. Forget what day it is and just go back to bed!
Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash
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