5 Changes To Make To Your Outdoor Space During Cancer Treatment
Since you are here reading this, most likely you or your dear ones might be suffering from cancer or its side effects. Some of you might already know that cannabinoids (CBD oil, and more) a natural plant have been valuable for providing pain relief for cancer-related pain and would be using them. To help you ease the process and side effects of cancer treatment, we’ve developed a blog series outlining specific changes to make to different areas of your home.
Since cannabinoids are believed to reduce stress and anxiety, there has been a great deal of interest in the potential effects of CBD on cancer patients. Some people say CBD has improved their health. However, these are personal accounts, not scientific proof. Researchers have found that cannabinoids can cause cell death, prevent cell division, and prevent cells from developing new blood vessels. However, in some cases, it has been discovered that it might make the immune system less effective, which may consequently encourage the growth of cancer cells. Though, it is undeniable that cannabis may have some anti-cancer properties. Many people, understandably, want to try anything that may aid in the treatment of cancer, especially if conventional cancer treatments aren’t working. It is always a good idea to consult with your doctor before incorporating CBD oil or other CBD products into your routine. If your doctor has already approved the use of CBD oil, you can look for ‘CBD oils UK‘ (or any other location) to give it a try.
These guides may be helpful for you as the patient, or for a loved one who is looking for a way to lend a hand and support you in preparation for your cancer treatment. Continuing with this series, here are 5 recommended changes to make to your outdoor space.
But before we jump into the things to add and remove from your outdoor space, here’s why this area of your home is important to focus on.
Spending time outdoors and in nature can have a positive impact on your mental health during your cancer treatment. In fact, in a study of 200,000 people, it was found that when people spent at least 2 hours outdoor per week, “the likelihood of reporting good health or high well-being became significantly greater….This pattern was consistent across key groups including older adults and those with long-term health issues. It did not matter how 120 minutes of contact a week was achieved (e.g. one long vs. several shorter visits/ week).”
Other research has suggested that our environments can have an impact on our stress level (which also impacts our physical health). This is partly why we’ve seen such a huge rise in the popularity of backyard living in recent years – people want to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors whenever they get the chance.
“Being in nature, or even viewing scenes of nature, reduces anger, fear, and stress and increases pleasant feelings. Exposure to nature not only makes you feel better emotionally, it contributes to your physical wellbeing, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones. It may even reduce mortality,” according to scientists such as public health researchers Stamatakis and Mitchell.
Research done in hospitals, offices, and schools has found that even a simple plant in a room can have a significant impact on stress and anxiety.
In addition, nature helps us cope with pain. Because we are genetically programmed to find trees, plants, water, and other nature elements engrossing, we are absorbed by nature scenes and distracted from our pain and discomfort.”- University of Minnesota
Now here are some changes you can make to your outdoor space to make it a useful place for you during your cancer treatment.
Things to Remove From Your Outdoor Space
- Remove weeds. If you have friends or family who are asking how they can help you, this is a great task to give them. By cleaning up any weeds outside, it will make your time outdoors more enjoyable. It will be nicer to look at, and you won’t have to stress about removing them yourself. If you want immediate results, then you can also approach experts (like the ones at Prefix) who are well equipped to carry out this task at a better pace.
- Remove uncomfortable seating. When you have a peaceful environment, you don’t want to be constantly adjusting yourself, trying to get comfortable in an old outdoor chair. This is a good time to consider investing in some more comfortable outdoor seating – see #2 on Things to Add for more recommendations.
Things to Add To Your Outdoor Space
- Add low-maintenance plants. Depending on where you live, there are low-maintenance plants and flowers that will make your outdoor time delightful. Here’s a resource outlining low-maintenance plants for your garden by region.
- Add comfortable seating. Consider a chair or lounge with a cushion, a rocking chair or a swing. This will make your time outside as comfortable as possible. (Again, this could be a nice gift idea for friends or family who are looking to do something nice for you!)
- Add an umbrella or other sun protection. It’s been recommended that we get 10-30 minutes of sunlight a day for optimal Vitamin D levels. That’s a great goal! Don’t forget your sunscreen, and also consider an umbrella for longer visits outdoors.