The chill activity that can slow cancer from spreading — just do it twice a day

About 40% of Americans will develop cancer at some point in their lives, a chilling statistic.

Many cancers can be prevented with lifestyle changes, like losing weight, quitting smoking, avoiding unprotected sex and limiting alcohol consumption, but some are unfortunately inescapable.

Once cancer hits, it can feel overwhelming. Taking a chill pill is easier said than done.

New research has found that one simple habit practiced twice a day could help those with or recovering from cancer. RFBSIP – stock.adobe.com

However, relaxation techniques can significantly improve the cancer experience.

In fact, new research suggests that meditating twice a day could keep chronic stress in check and reduce the risk of the illness growing and spreading.

Presenting at an American Association for the Advancement of Science conference, researchers at Midwestern University in Arizona found that meditating each morning and evening could prevent cancer cells from becoming more robust by limiting cortisol.

Often known as the primary stress hormone, cortisol naturally declines throughout the day.

Meditating in the morning and evening could help manage stress levels and prevent cancer cells from spreading. Araguatai – stock.adobe.com

But it responds differently to cancer cells, potentially increasing tumor resilience and making cancer harder to treat and more likely to spread to other parts of the body.

The emotional strain of dealing with the disease can disrupt hormone levels and leave cancer patients with persistently high cortisol.

By participating in stress-regulating activities, like meditation, cortisol could be managed and potentially prevent cancer from worsening.

“There are arguments to be made for starting and ending the day with practices that reduce stress,” Kimberly Bussey, a cancer specialist at Midwestern University, told Women’s Health UK.

If meditation isn’t your thing, just doing something relaxing that lowers cortisol levels can help, said Bussey.

Her other stress-busting recommendations include “exercise, getting outside in nature, engaging in mindfulness practices like journaling, eating a healthy diet, giving back to others [and] getting enough sleep.”

“Spending time with friends and family, even if it is just hanging out or being in the same room together, can help,” she added.

Other relaxing activities, like rewatching a favorite TV show or spending time with a pet, can also play a supportive role in overall health.

Similar prior research focused on breast cancer survivors and the effects of cognitively-based compassion training, which uses meditation to help patients reduce feelings of distress, anxiety or depression by finding support and gratitude.

“Cancer is a physically, emotionally and mentally exhausting experience,” Thaddeus Pace, an associate professor in the University of Arizona College of Nursing, wrote in 2023.

“Many of the 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States today experience disruptive psychological distress or anxiety and depression.”