Healing from Within: Self-Care and Chronic Illness Management
Living with a chronic illness can be incredibly challenging from dealing with the many doctor appointments, self-advocating in the medical system, and challenges of balancing work, life, and wellness, it can be both physically and emotionally exhausting. It often requires constant management, but self-care can significantly affect how you navigate your daily life. In this blog post, graduate student intern Rylee explores various self-care techniques tailored to people with chronic illnesses, and some of the things that have helped her cope during her journey in being diagnosed with endometriosis.
Remember, self-care is not a one-size-fits-all solution, so it's essential to find what works best for you.
Prioritize Rest and Sleep:
Establish a regular sleep schedule.
Create a relaxing bedtime routine to signal your body it's time to rest.Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows to improve sleep quality.
Stress Management:
Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness.Identify stress triggers and develop coping strategiesConsider talking to a therapist or counselor for additional support.
Pain Management:
Work closely with your healthcare team to find effective pain management strategies.Explore alternative therapies like acupuncture, massage, or physical therapy.Consider medications or treatments recommended by your doctor.
Stay Informed:
Learn as much as you can about your condition.Stay up-to-date on treatment options and research.
Join support groups or online communities to connect with others facing similar challenges.
Set Realistic Goals:
Establish achievable daily, weekly, and monthly goals.Celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem.Don't be too hard on yourself when setbacks occur.
Social Connection:
Stay connected with friends and loved ones.Communicate your needs to them, so they can better understand and support you.Consider joining a local or online support group for your specific condition.
Time Management:
Prioritize tasks and delegate when possible.Use tools like calendars and to-do lists to stay organized.Don't hesitate to ask for help when needed
Emotional Well-being:
Practice self-compassion and self-acceptance.Allow yourself to grieve and process your emotions when necessary.Engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.
Adaptive Devices and Aids:
Consider using assistive devices or aids to make daily tasks easier.Work with an occupational therapist to find solutions tailored to your needs.
Thisis the Self-Care Wheel, which gives a few ideas of things you can do to take care of yourself.
Take a moment and look at it. What areas are you doing well with? What areas would you like to improve?
If you have a counselor already, think about possibly bringing this up with them and talking about how you can improve your self-care routine.
Living with a chronic illness can be challenging, but incorporating these self-care techniques into your daily routine can significantly improve your quality of life. Remember that self-care is an ongoing journey, and it's essential to be patient with yourself as you navigate the ups and downs of managing your condition. By prioritizing your well-being, you can thrive despite the challenges of chronic illness. If you struggle with prioritizing self-care, or knowing where to begin, we’re here to help you! Schedule a consult with us, and start your self-care journey!
Meet the Author: Rylee Powers
Rylee is a graduate student at Johns Hopkins University for her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is interested in working with clients who deal with chronic illness, interpersonal problems, and anxiety and/or depression.
She is currently accepting clients in person or telehealth on Mondays and Thursdays, or telehealth only on Wednesdays. Interested to work with Rylee?
Contact Niina Bacha to schedule your therapeutic fit call today support@spacebetweencounselingservices.com or call 443-240-5207