A cancer diagnosis can be a very stressful experience for patients as well as caregivers, friends and family. Learning to manage and decrease stress caused by cancer or everyday concerns can reduce depression, anxiety, and symptoms related to cancer and cancer treatment and increase your overall sense of well-being.
These are just a few highlights from the Resource Library collection. Please click here to search our online catalog. For more information about the Resource Library and how to borrow materials, visit our website.
Progressive Relaxation and Breathing (CD) by 
Stress Relief (CD) by 
Stress Relief: Acupressure and Gentle Yoga Sessions You Can Use Anywhere (CD) by 
Guided Meditations for Stress Reduction (CD) by 
Meditations to Relieve Stress (CD) by 
Qigong for Stress Relief (DVD) by Ridley-Tree Cancer Center offers a variety of free programs to help patients, caregivers, and survivors manage the stress that may arise from a cancer diagnosis, treatment or everyday concerns. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all Wellness classes are currently being offered online via Zoom. For more information including who qualifies for Ridley-Tree Cancer Center Wellness Programs & Classes and class descriptions, visit the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center website or call (805) 879-5678.
Programs include:
Meditation
Yoga
Qigong
Exercise Programs
This group provides a safe place for those who are newly diagnosed with cancer to share and learn coping skills for the cancer journey. The group will discuss common issues that affect most people when they are initially diagnosed, such as shock, sharing the diagnosis or not, regaining control, dealing with a new self-image, living with uncertainty, and more.
Schedule: 3rd Thursday of each month, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
This program is offered free-of-charge and is facilitated by professional staff. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, support groups are currently meeting online via Zoom. For more information including how to register, see the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center calendar or email Rosario Campuzano-Cortez at rcampuza@ridleytreecc.org.
Cancer can involve significant psychological, social, and economic challenges for patients and their families. How and if these challenges are addressed is an important aspect of a patient’s care plan. The Ridley-Tree Cancer Center employs clinical social workers who provide emotional and practical support for patients, their families, and their friends. Oncology Social Workers can provide advocacy and referrals as well as individual and family counseling services.
Services are available at no cost and are available to anyone in our community, regardless of where they are receiving medical care.
For more information, call (805) 879-5690.
These are just a few highlights from the Resource Library collection. Please click here to search our online catalog. For more information about the Resource Library and how to borrow materials, visit our website.
The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook by 
Science of Stress Management: A Guide to Best Practices for Better Well-being by 
The Mayo Clinic Guide to Stress-Free Living by 
Instant Calm: Over 100 easy-to-use techniques for relaxing mind and body by 
Stress Relief and Relaxation Techniques by 
Yoga Sparks by 
Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers by Ridley-Tree Cancer Center - Progressive Muscle Relaxation - 5:35 minutes
Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is a simple exercise that may help reduce stress, tension, and anxiety. In PMR, groups of muscles are slowly tensed then released. Amy Shapton, Ridley-Tree Cancer Center's Manager of Oncology Social Work, takes you through this short PMR exercise.
Breathe2Relax by National Center for Telehealth & Technology
Available for iOS (iPhone, iPad) and Android
Free
Breathe2Relax is a stress management tool which provides detailed information on the effects of stress on the body and exercises to help users learn the stress management skill called diaphragmatic breathing. Breathing exercises have been documented to decrease the body’s ‘fight-or-flight’ (stress) response, and help with mood stabilization, anger control, and anxiety management. Breathe2Relax now uses HealthKit and your Apple Watch device to measure your heart rate throughout your breathing exercise to help provide an even more complete picture of the relaxation experienced.
