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Free and Accessible Self-Care Resources

Get a downloadable, printable list of free resources, including those listed below and much more, here.

Remote Emotional Support Options (online or by phone)

CancerCare Online & Telephone Individual Counseling: https://www.cancercare.org/counseling

Offers free short-term counseling over the phone or online for anyone affected by cancer with an oncology social worker. To get started, call 800-813-4673 or email info@cancercare.org

CancerCare Online & Telephone Support Groups: https://www.cancercare.org/support_groups

Offers a variety of free support groups online and by phone for both people living with cancer and caregivers.

Cancer Support Community Helpline: 888-793-9355

Toll-free helpline that is staffed by counselors and resource specialists who can provide emotional support as well as information to anyone affected by cancer. Available M-F 9am-9pm ET.

Online Live Chat also available: https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/cancer-support-helpline

MyLifeLine by the Cancer Support Community: https://www.mylifeline.org/

Website and app that allows for virtual connection 24/7 during this period of social distancing. Participants can join discussion board moderated by licensed clinicians, and can share updates to their social network.

Organizations that offer free peer support over the phone. They match people with cancer or caregivers with a peer who has been through a similar experience as a way to get support:

BetterHelp Online & Phone Counseling: https://www.betterhelp.com/

Network of licensed counselors who can provide affordable, remote counseling that can help wit ha range of issues, including depression, anxiety, relationships, trauma, grief, and more.

Talkspace Online Therapy: https://www.talkspace.com/

Network of licensed clinicians who can provide therapy through messaging and video calls.

AfterShock: Facing a Serious Diagnosis App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/aftershock-facing-a-serious-diagnosis/id881103514

Free app that helps guide individuals who are recently diagnosed. Learn more about your diagnosis, treatment options and ways to better cope with shock. This app includes concise information and trusted resources. Download in the App Store.

Mindfulness & Relaxation Apps & Websites

Guided Imagery by Claudia Prange: Email liz@gildasclubmiddletn.org and she’ll send you the mp3 file.

Enjoy the Guided Imagery class at Gilda’s Club? Now you can relax at home with a recording of Claudia’s class! 

CancerCare Meditation App: Download for free in the app store

Features free guided meditation sessions, inspirational talks, and soothing music/sounds aimed to help people affected by cancer manage symptoms and anxiety.

Meditations from The Estuary: https://theestuary.org/meditations

A selection of free, guided meditations that will soothe your soul and lift your heart. Download on Apple Music, Spotify, or Youtube Music.

The Beginners Guide to Meditation: https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/beginners-guide-meditation

A helpful article with simple steps to learn how to meditate.

Mindfulness articles and videos from Greater Good Magazine:

UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness guided audio & video practices: https://medschool.ucsd.edu/som/fmph/research/mindfulness/programs/mindfulness-programs/MBSR-programs/Pages/audio.aspx

Videos also available in Spanish: https://medschool.ucsd.edu/som/fmph/research/mindfulness/mindfulness-resources/Pages/Mindfulness-in-Other-Languages.aspx

Guided Meditation for Cancer Patients & Caregivers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjMed9F2Ng4

Headspace App: https://www.headspace.com/headspace-meditation-app

App that offers meditations and teachings to balance stress, focus, and rest. Free and paid options available. Download in the App Store.

Sanvello Apphttps://www.sanvello.com/ 

App that offers clinically-validated guidance and habits for a healthy mind that can help you deal with stress, anxiety, and depression. Free and paid options available. 

Oak Meditation App: https://www.oakmeditation.com/

App that offers free guided meditations, mindfulness, and breathing exercises.

Insight Timer App: https://insighttimer.com/

App that offers free guided mediations and relaxation exercises.

Am Mindfulness App: https://www.midigitaltherapeutics.com/am-mindfulness.html

App that offers clinically-validated mindfulness practices, and specifically offers a cancer specific mindfulness class. Download in the App Store.

Movement & Exercise Videos To Do At Home

FitOn App: https://fitonapp.com/ 

App that offers free workouts to do at home for a variety of skill levels and personal goals. Users can work out solo or with others. Download in the App Store.  

Yoga with Adriene: https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene

Free yoga videos for all skill levels.

Small World Yoga: https://www.facebook.com/SmallWorldYoga.org/ 

Offering remote yoga classes via Zoom (video). Check their Facebook page to get the schedule and daily Zoom link information, or watch their recorded videos on their Youtube site: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv1HJPjN1mgz2cflN1mlOJA 

Gentle Yoga Flow from YogiApproved: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g13nVd7OLYs

Gentle yoga video for all skill levels to decompress and calm your mind and body.

Other YogiApproved yoga videos can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyEEqjhf3NeujoC73yUZbKw

Simple Tai Chi for Beginners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEOS2zoyQw4

Qigong for Beginners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyINAjEoTIs

Pilates for Beginners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEMWK9hUHOQ

Exercise Video for Cancer Patients (light intensity): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtKvHBGx0VM

Gentle Bed Yoga for People with Cancer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e94WQyH8-VY

Nutrition and Meal Resources

COVID Help Nashville

Organization offering free services for high-risk individuals and families (65+ or immune-compromised), including grocery shopping, pharmacy runs, errands, etc. Call (615)-447-8260 or email covidhelpnashville@gmail.com 

COVID Response Fund

The COVID-19 Response Fund was formed to quickly and effectively address the health and economic challenges of this virus. The organization has resources for individuals, families and nonprofits: https://www.nashvilleresponsefund.com/.

National Cancer Institute’s Nutrition in Cancer Care website: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/appetite-loss/nutrition-pdq 

Heimerdinger Foundation Meals 4 Health: https://www.heimerdingerfoundation.com/become-a-client/ 

Delivers free, nutritious meals to individuals and families currently in treatment for cancer in Davidson and Williamson Counties. 

PearlPoint Nutrition Services: https://pearlpoint.org/ 

Free nutrition education and consultations to patients and caregivers of all cancer types. To schedule a consultation with a dietician: https://pearlpoint.org/schedule-a-dietitian-consultation/ 

Expressive Arts Resources

UCLA Berkley Online Art Classes: https://artstudio.berkeley.edu/news/art-with-zoom/ 

Offering free art classes online via Zoom. Register on their website. 

 Cassie Stephens Art Classes & Videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdEo82iK2lzwMqCxBuQmmrQ 

Elementary school art teacher in Middle TN offering free online art classes at this timeRecorded lessons can be found on her Youtube Channel and live lessons on her Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cassiestephensart 

Educational Resources (Articles, Webinars, etc.)

Frankly Speaking about Cancer (by the Cancer Support Community): https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/franklyspeakingaboutcancer

Informational articles, webinars, e-books, and radio shows on a variety of topics for people affected by cancer.

Radio Show on a variety of cancer topics that empowers listeners to live well with cancer: https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/Radio-Show2

CancerCare: https://www.cancercare.org/diagnosis

Database of trusted information, webinars, and resources. Users can search by diagnosis or topic.

National Cancer Institute: https://www.cancer.gov/

Website contains information and articles on different types of cancer, treatments, managing health care, and coping with the impacts cancer can have.

LiveHelp : https://livehelp.cancer.gov/app/chat/chat_launch

This is a free live chat service with an NCI Information Specialist who can answer questions about cancer, clinical trials, and quitting smoking.

Managing Mental Health After a Cancer Diagnosis via Georgetown Nursing: https://online.nursing.georgetown.edu/blog/cancer-mental-health/