Video: 1-minute meditations for living with cancer

1-minute meditations for living with cancer

Practicing mindfulness boosts your body's ability to heal and calms your mind.

Try mini-meditations that fit into even the most stressful day.

• Start your day with gratitude. Picture the faces of 5 people you're grateful for and send a silent thanks to each.
• Take 5 deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly to relax your stress response and boost your immune system.
• Picture a favorite place. Your brain's neurons will fire almost as if you're there.
• Look at an everyday object. Put your focus on simple details to clear your mind and calm the moment.
• Listen closely. Notice the sounds around you to improve focus and cut through fog and stress.
• Savor a bite. Experience the flavor and texture to focus on the present and away from worry.
• Try a walking meditation. Repeat a comforting phrase as you step and breathe. Try "I am here. This is healing."

Guidance from the doctors, nurses and specialists for cancer care at Mayo Clinic.