Nature's health benefits for Cancer Patients

Written By Lotte May
Founder of Comfort Crate & Cancer Advocate

What are the benefits of nature in cancer treatment?

Spending time in nature can reduce blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension. It also slows the production of stress hormones, which directly supports your recovery. Conversely, feeling anxious or helpless can suppress the immune system. Utilising nature is a practical way to counteract these effects.

By absorbing ourselves in nature, we provide the brain with a positive distraction that can even reduce the perception of pain. Research shows that people who spend more time in nature, or even just viewing nature scenes, experience improved concentration and mental health. In the midst of treatment and recovery, even a small amount of exposure provides benefits. You do not need to go on long walks to reap these rewards; simply bringing elements of the outdoors into your immediate environment can be highly effective.

How to Bring Nature Into Your Home

• Indoor Plants: Having greenery in the house has a measurable impact on wellbeing. If you do not have the energy to maintain living plants, artificial plants and flowers provide similar visual benefits.
• Maximise Outdoor Spaces: If you have a garden, balcony, or allotment, use it to grow vegetables or flowers. Even a simple bird feeder can provide a focal point for relaxation.
• Creative Connection: You can connect to nature through landscape painting, nature documentaries, or sound recordings of the outdoors.
• Aromatherapy: Utilise natural scents to manage specific treatment side effects. Explore our guide on how to use aromatherapy.
• Natural Light: Prioritise natural light in your home or hospital room to help reduce anxiety and enhance your recovery pace.
• Visual Art: Placing photography or paintings of landscapes around your living space provides a restorative visual "rest" for your mind.
• Engage Your Senses: Practice "forest bathing" by stepping outside to listen to birds or feel the air. Engaging your senses allows the mind to rest and helps negative feelings to ease.

Support Your Journey: Prepare yourself or a loved one for treatment with The Chemo Day Support Kit. Carefully curated by a survivor, this kit includes the essential items needed to manage side effects and find comfort during hospital visits.

Further Reading and Support

• How to Boost Your Feel-Good Hormones Naturally – Learn how to support your mood during recovery.
• Anxiety & Cancer – Macmillan's cancer support guide on how to manage anxiety during cancer treatment.

About the Author: Lotte May is a Stage 4B Hodgkin Lymphoma survivor and founder of Comfort Crate. She provides patients with practical tools and research-backed knowledge to navigate recovery with more comfort. Read more about her mission.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for support and guidance only. It does not replace the advice of your medical team.