Doing something fun

Make use of walking trails, watch the sunset or spend time taking photos of nature.

Telling a friend you trust and care about that you are finding your health care treatment hard

You may find it much easier to cope when you have a friend by your side as you go through ongoing health care treatment.

Intentionally make time to work on one of your own projects

Instead of your life revolving around health care appointments be intentional to spend time working on a project of your own that requires a commitment of both time and learning something new to complete.

Absolutely ensure you are making time to get enough sleep

After a night or two of quality sleep you may have a well balanced perspective of your medical care treatment that isn't as influenced by your emotions.

Making a pro - con chart

Be intentional to figure out what is both good and bad about your health care treatment.

Then use your pro - con chart as the basis if a discussion with another member of your health care team (such as your family doctor or nurse practitioner). Focus this discussion on asking for help better approaching and knowing other words to use that will better resonate with a member of your health care team who isn't understanding what you are trying to say.

Rigerously fight the urge to form an opinion on the day things don't go well

Health care treatment needs time to work. It is important to have realistic expectations and not form an opinion based on unrealistic expectations. Ask your health care professional what to expect and in what time frame. Then store their answer on your phone immediately after your appointment so your memory of this coversation hasn't had time to change.

If things are absolutely horrible eat something that you enjoy

This isn't about buying and then eating empty calories. This will only compromise your health. Instead think about foods that are healthy. Select foods that don't make you feel hungry again for several hours. Overall plan a meal that makes you feel satisfied when you finish eating.

Don't form an opinion when you are in pain

Avoid the trap of forming a wrong conclusion when pain affects your emotions, reasoning skills and causes you to be irritable. Instead wait until your body, mind and emotions are at their best to look at your health care treatment and assess where you are at.

Have a really warm bath

Sitting in the tub with warm water might help relax you. When this isn't possible having the warm water of a shower pour over your body will help take the tension out of your body. Then even when medical treatment isn't going well this may help you relax. In turn the warmth of the water might help you feel good about yourself and life.

Considered asking for a different health care provider of the same medical discipline

We all have different personalities and interests. There are some people who you will connect with better than others. If the relationship isn't working out for you it is worth asking if a different medical professional may replace them. This won't change the circumstances of your health care concern. But this may help you feel like you are part of your health care team. Having a health care professional you have a connection with will help you not feel alone as you live out your treatment plan.

Put on music when you are in pain

If things are absolutely screwed up, you feel all alone and none of the other strategies help find an online group themed around the obstacle you are facing