Mindfulness Tips for Infusion Days: A Guide to Self-Care

What if infusion days weren’t only about managing your condition, but also about caring for yourself? Reframing these hours as an opportunity for self-care can shift your experience in a meaningful way.

Self-care is often viewed as a grand gesture, like a spa day or a shopping spree, but the true definition is much simpler. At its core, self-care means taking steps to nurture your health, prevent illness, and cope with the challenges of treatment—whether on your own or with the support of your care team. It’s about prioritizing practices that help you live well and improve both your physical and mental health.

Depending on your chronic condition and how you respond to therapy, infusion days can provide the perfect opportunity to prioritize your needs. These sessions can become a time to practice mindfulness, foster comfort, and restore calm, supporting your overall well-being throughout the process.

Defining What Self-Care Means to You

Self-care is personal; no two individuals will have the same needs. What you consider self-care may look very different from the next person. What matters is how you feel and what you want in return from your self-care practices.

Here are some thought starters to help you define what self-care on treatment days might look like for you:

Reflect on what brings you calm and joy. Think about the activities that help you feel most at ease: puzzles, meditation, journaling, catching up on rest, or connecting with loved ones.
Choose what’s realistic during infusion. Since you’ll be seated for a period of time, focus on things you can do comfortably, such as reading, listening to music, or practicing breathing exercises.
Share your preferences. Tell your care team or loved ones what helps you feel comfortable so they can support you during treatment.
Stay flexible. Your self-care needs may shift over time. Be open to trying new practices as your condition, energy, or interests change.

By defining what self-care looks like for you, infusion treatment days can become more than just therapy; they can also be moments to restore balance and calm.

Mindful Planning for Treatment Days

Being intentional about how you prepare for therapy can make all the difference. Small steps taken before and during your infusion can create a sense of comfort, stability, and calm, both physically and emotionally.

Anticipate and Plan for Your Needs

Post-treatment needs: If you feel tired afterward, plan for extra rest. If your appetite changes, have nourishing snacks ready.
Comfortable environment: Wear soft, comfortable clothing. Bring a blanket or adjust your space for the right temperature.
Emotional needs: Communicate your treatment schedule to loved ones, and consider asking for company during your infusion.

Set Yourself Up Beforehand

Order groceries or meal prep in advance to avoid errands when your energy is low.
Keep water and light, nutrient-rich snacks nearby.
Use calming aids like candles, sound healing, or gentle background music.
Schedule uplifting social connections during treatment if it feels supportive.
Keep a mindfulness or self-care journal to track what works for you.

Practicing Self-Care During Infusion

Infusion sessions are more than treatment; they are a chance to actively nurture your well-being. Even while seated, small, intentional activities can help you stay relaxed and centered.

During Treatment, You Can:

Engage in light activities: Try a puzzle, read a book, listen to an audiobook, plan a future trip, or watch a favorite show.
Try meditation: Meditation is a simple yet powerful way to support your mind and body during treatment. For centuries, it has been practiced to promote relaxation and emotional balance. Research shows that even a few minutes can reduce stress, ease anxiety, and increase self-awareness, helping you feel calmer during your infusion session.
Focus on comfort: Match your infusion activities to your current energy level, prioritizing what feels easiest and most restorative.

During your infusion, stay present and tune into your body and mind. These moments of awareness can make the transition to aftercare more restorative.

Mindful Aftercare & Recovery

Once your infusion ends, your self-care continues as you move into rest and recovery. Focus on nourishing your body, supporting your emotional well-being, and allowing yourself time to restore.

Post-treatment care:

Avoid overexertion; give yourself permission to slow down.
If you feel up to it, consider gentle stretching or light movement—always check with your care provider first.
Stay hydrated and choose easy-to-digest, nourishing meals.

Emotional well-being:
Infusion therapy may bring up emotions. Allow yourself space to notice and process how you feel, through journaling, reflection, or connecting with loved ones. Treat post-treatment time as an important part of your healing journey.

Celebrate your progress:
Completing each infusion is a step forward toward your health goals. Small, mindful actions, like deep breathing, savoring comfort, or quiet reflection, can have lasting benefits. Whether you receive treatment at home or in an AOM Infusion suite, approaching each infusion day with intention and mindfulness can reduce stress, support recovery, and foster a sense of calm.