5 Common Roadblocks To Living Chronically Well - And, How To Overcome Them
Do you ever feel like chronic illness is taking control of your life?
It can be overwhelming and disheartening. But guess what? You have the power to find your balance and live a fulfilling life with chronic illness.
I know what it's like to feel like everything is finally falling into place, only to have something throw you off balance again. Finding balance is a constant journey because life and health have so many moving parts.
But, I believe it's possible for you to find that meaningful balance and take care of yourself for the long haul.
To help you on your journey, I want to address the common roadblocks that often get in the way. And, more importantly, I'll also share some practical strategies to overcome these obstacles. From managing unrealistic expectations to finding the right support systems and advocating for yourself, let’s explore! You CAN gain more joy, empowerment, and fulfillment into your life, even with chronic illness.
5 Common Roadblocks To Living Chronically Well (And How To Navigate Them)
1. Misaligned expectations and Self-Criticism
It's all too easy to fall into the trap of setting unrealistic expectations and being overly critical of ourselves when we can't meet them. Living with a chronic illness means rewriting the rulebook of what we consider "normal."
This has been my Achilles heel when it comes to finding my balance with chronic illness. But, moving through it has also helped me crack the code on how I was holding myself back from finding how to live a more balanced and intentional life with chronic illness.
Let's remember that true strength lies in accepting our parameters and showing ourselves compassion. By keeping our expectations realistic and treating ourselves with kindness, we pave the way for a more balanced and fulfilling life.
You can learn to adjust unrealistic expectations of yourself by learning to meet yourself as you are each day. This requires a shift in perspective and approach to daily life. By accepting the practicalities of chronic illness, you can create realistic expectations for what you can accomplish in a day while honoring your fluctuating symptoms and energy levels.
This means recognizing that it's okay not to be okay and embracing a mindset of adaptability and self-compassion. Understanding that it takes more effort to navigate daily tasks with chronic illness empowers you to make intentional choices about where to allocate your limited energy and "spoons." By listening to your mind and body signals, you can tailor your activities and expectations to your current needs, nurturing yourself as you are in the moment. Ultimately, accepting the realities of chronic illness is not about giving in, but rather about finding empowerment within parameters and prioritizing overall well-being.
For related reading check out this blog post about accepting the practicalities of chronic illness and this blog post about self-compassion.
2. Lack of proper support systems
Living with a chronic illness can sometimes feel like traversing a treacherous path alone. But no one should have to face this journey without the right support systems in place. From healthcare professionals who truly understand our unique needs to finding help at home and work, seeking out the right support is crucial. Let's surround ourselves with people who lift us up and empower us to navigate this challenging terrain with grace and resilience.
This can be a tall order. And, it can take time to find the right people and resources. But, I believe the effort is absolutely worth it, because building a strong support system can be a game-changer in your journey.
I have several tips to share related to this. But, the main point is that once you notice that something is causing you stress (an unhelpful healthcare provider, tasks that are feeling impossible to accomplish), consider how you can get the right support to minimize the stress.
In the realm of the healthcare system, you may want to explore other providers who better meet your needs. In home life, this might look like delegating tasks that can be outsourced, freeing up valuable energy to focus on managing your health.
When it comes to emotional support, it can be invaluable to surround yourself with a supportive community—friends, family, and fellow warriors. Having a group of solid people in your life can provide the emotional support and understanding needed during tough times.
By prioritizing self-advocacy, seeking practical and emotional support, and surrounding yourself with a network of understanding individuals, you're taking crucial steps towards navigating the complexities of chronic illness with resilience and empowerment. You are not alone, and there are resources and people ready to support you on your path to wellness.
For related reading about self-advocacy in the healthcare system and in daily life with chronic illness, I invite you to link to these blog posts.
3. Not Recognizing Your Power As CEO of Your Life and Health
Living Chronically Well requires taking control of our life and health and becoming our own best advocate. I know this sounds a bit paradoxical because so much of chronic illness is outside our control. What I am talking about is taking over the parts of life with chronic illness where you have some agency and the ability to make choices.
This came into play for me when I realized how much I could do for my wellness beyond following doctors’ orders. I found out that certain things were distracting my immune system from fighting cancer - food sensitivities, airborne allergens, life stressors, etc. Once I started to make lifestyle changes (some big, some little), I leveled up my health. And, just as important, I started to be more mindful of where I was putting my time and energy. This resulted in an imperfect, but much better, balance in my life with chronic illness.
Embracing the concept that you have the power to steer your life and healthcare decisions marks a pivotal shift towards empowerment. Recognizing your unique expertise in your symptoms, values, and aspirations allows you to make informed choices that align with your well-being. By becoming your own CEO, you become an active participant in your healthcare journey, collaborating with healthcare providers and advocating for yourself in all aspects of life. And, by making empowered decisions in your daily life, you can better tailor your lifestyle to what bolsters your health and wellness.
Remember, each step towards becoming your own best advocate is a significant stride towards living well with chronic illness. You have the capacity to shape your path and enhance the quality of your life by embracing your agency and advocating for your needs.
For related reading about taking the wheel on your life and health, I invite you to check out this blog post.
4. Neglecting Joy and Happiness
In the midst of managing a chronic illness, it's easy to lose sight of the things that bring us joy. But here's the truth: we deserve happiness. While this might look a bit different if you are unable to do certain activities, you can still find ways to enjoy life and remind yourself of what makes you happy. Don’t wait until you feel better!
Sometimes it can be hard to prioritize the things that make us happy because we are putting all our energy into getting through the day. But, let’s not forget about what makes life worth living! Making time for what makes us happy creates a valuable counterbalance to the challenges of chronic illness.
Integrating joy into your life can provide much-needed balance, motivation, and upliftment. It's not about being blissfully happy all the time, but rather finding moments of joy that resonate with you and bring meaning to your life. Whether it's immersing yourself in a favorite hobby, connecting with loved ones, or savoring small pleasures, these moments of joy can fuel your journey towards living well with chronic illness. Your "why" for living Chronically Well deserves to be intertwined into your life as you navigate the complexities of chronic illness.
For further reading about the importance of choosing joy in you life, I invite you to check out this blog post.
5. Lack of a Holistic Approach
Living Chronically Well isn't just about addressing the physical and medical aspects of our health; it's about nurturing our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, too. When you merely focus on the physical aspects of your wellness, you can be missing some very important opportunities to create a better balance in your life.
Taking a holistic approach involves recognizing that our whole selves need care and attention. By adopting this approach, you can align your lifestyle and choices with what you want most. It entails taking an inventory of the different areas of your life and seeing where the stressors are (and, where you are doing great). From physical health and personal relationships to spirituality and professional development, an integrative approach facilitates gaining clarity around where you are versus where you want to be.
By aligning your life with your personal values, needs, and aspirations, and by making small, consistent efforts towards positive change, you can experience a ripple effect of improved well-being. This personalized and holistic approach considers the interconnectedness of the different dimensions of your life, aiming to optimize health and wellness beyond traditional medical advice.
It's about recognizing that chronic illness touches every aspect of life and feeling empowered to make gradual, meaningful changes that support a balanced and fulfilling existence. This integrative approach is not a quick fix, but a transformative process that honors the complexities of living with chronic illness and paves the way for a more harmonious and vibrant life.
For further reading about taking an integrative approach to living Chronically Well, check out this blog post.
For support on your journey
To living Chronically Well, I invite you to learn more about the Chronically Well one-on-one coaching membership.
Living with a chronic illness may present its fair share of roadblocks, but these roadblocks can also serve as opportunities to find our unique balance with chronic illness.
By embracing the challenges head-on, seeking the right support, advocating for ourselves, prioritizing joy, and adopting a holistic approach, we can navigate this journey in an individualized and empowered way.
If you could use support in finding your path to living Chronically Well, I invite you to reach out and see how we could work together.
What do you struggle with most when it comes to finding your balance with chronic illness?
what roadblocks resonated with your experience?
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