Welcome Moments of Escape

There is evidence that successful management of cancer related stress is associated with better clinical outcomes. Researchers are studying novel approaches to lessen the distress and hopelessness during treatments. Giving yourself opportunities to focus on something joyful or uplifting (moments of escape) can help reduce stress levels. Below are ideas shared by participants that helped them during their cancer journey.

Art Escapes 

Art Therapy is helpful to cancer patients in many ways. It provides a relaxing escape against the backdrop of treatment anxiety and provides an outlet for expressing feelings and emotions. Art Therapy can be experienced through  immersing one's self in artistic activities such as paint classes, or paint parties. Here are some free and fee-based options:

• Follow the Sun Art led by local Santa Cruz artist Anastasiya Bachmanova: Follow the Sun Art Events | Eventbrite

• Progress Not Perfection Paint Parties (virtual and donation-based):  pnppaintparty.com

• ​The Paint Sesh, fee-based: thepaintsesh.com

• Moya Art Gallery & Studio, Gilroy, offers free and fee-based virtual paint opportunities: Moya Art Gallery and Studio
  

Getting Crafty

Crafts not only help refocus attention, they bring great joy from delving into the creative process, as well as provide a sense of control and accomplishment. Some suggested crafts are:

• Pottery

• Knitting or Crocheting

• Jewelry Making

• Sewing or Quilting
  

Let Nature Soothe

Getting out to experience nature is always a great escape opportunity. It is not only a pleasant diversion, it promotes the connection to something greater than one's self. Living on the Monterey Peninsula affords us an increased opportunity to connect with nature. Some outdoor options are:

• Monterey Bay Beaches

• Hiking Areas (Free except where noted):
  — Carmel: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (Fee-based): parks.ca.gov
  — Carmel: Palo Corona Regional Park: mprpd.org
  — Carmel Valley: Garland Ranch Regional Park: mprpd.org
  — Del Rey Oaks: Frog Pond Wetland Preserve: mprpd.org
  — Monterey: Jacks Peak Park: co.monterey.ca.us
  — Salinas: Toro Park: co.monterey.ca.us

• ​Gardening: Grow a Vegetable or Flower Garden
  

Dance and Music Bring Joyful Escapes 

Including dance or movement therapy in cancer care can improve the quality of life, provide support for physical and cognitive fatigue and help with pain management. It also allows cancer patients to reconnect with their bodies. Music therapy is mainly used to promote relaxation, but can also offset some treatment related symptoms such as anxiety, stress and relieve discomfort.

Both dance and music offer opportunities for self-expression and bring positive experiences and memories to the forefront. Here is additional information on both Dance and Music:

• Oncology Nursing Society offers this article on the impacts of music therapy on cancer patients: voice.ons.org

• The University of California San Francisco Medical offers this short video on Dance Therapy: Cancer Patients Heal Through Dance