What is it?
Relaxation is a process that uses slow breathing and muscle-loosening exercises to physically and mentally calm the body. Techniques include progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, deep breathing, massage, aromatherapy and yoga.
Meditation is the practice of focusing awareness and attention on the present moment and on the senses of the body. It is an important part of many religions, including Buddhism and Hinduism, but you don’t have to be religious to meditate. There are different types of meditation techniques, including breathwork.
Why use it
Relaxation and meditation may help to release muscle tension, reduce anxiety and depression, and help improve quality of life. They may be used to help calm and relax the body and mind.
What to expect
Serene music may be played to create a peaceful environment. The therapist will guide you through exercises to help you learn the skills of relaxation and meditation, which you can then practise at home. Guided imagery uses sound and visual prompts to encourage your imagination to create pleasant thoughts. After a period of relaxation, you will usually be prompted to stay awake and enjoy your relaxed state of mind. Relaxation and meditation can be done sitting or lying down.
What is the evidence?
Clinical practice guidelines include offering a combination of guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation for people experiencing pain after cancer treatment. Clinical studies have shown that people being treated for cancer who practise relaxation often have lower levels of anxiety, stress, pain and depression. Relaxation techniques have also been shown to improve sleep.
Your hospital or cancer support group may offer relaxation and meditation groups. Self-help podcasts, online videos and smartphone apps can also guide you through the techniques. You could also listen to our meditation and relaxation podcast below.
Meditation and Relaxation Podcast
Listen to more of our meditation and relaxation podcast for people affected by cancer
Key resource
Download a PDF booklet on this topic.
A/Prof Geraldine McDonald, Director Patient Experience and Wellbeing, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Laura Carman, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria; A/Prof Christine Carrington, Senior Consultant Pharmacist Cancer Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital and Metro South Health and The University of Queensland, QLD; Kellie Giannarelli, Consumer; Dr Suzanne Grant, Senior Research Fellow, Integrative Oncology, NICM Health Research Institute, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Vivienne Hansen, Bush and Western Herbal Medicine Practitioner, WA; Karla Jaji, Administration Officer, Nepean Cancer and Wellness Centre, NSW; Dr Laura Kirsten, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Nepean Cancer Services, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, NSW; A/Prof Judith Lacey, Director of Supportive Care and Integrative Oncology, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Adjunct Professor Danforn Lim, Western Sydney University and University of Technology Sydney, NSW; Dr David Mizrahi, Senior Research Fellow and Accredited Exercise Physiologist, The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney and Cancer Council NSW; Professor Avni Sali AM, Founder and Director, National Institute of Integrative Medicine, VIC; Gillian Thompson, Consumer; A/Prof Kate Webber, Medical Oncologist, Monash Health, VIC; Tanya Wells, Integrative Oncology Consultant and Naturopath, Melbourne Integrative Oncology Group, VIC; Prof Kate White, Professor Cancer Nursing, Cancer Care Research Unit, The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney and Cancer Council NSW.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
