Chronically Well Self-Care: 4 Essential Practices
Self-care is far more than a trendy buzzword;
it's a vital part of living well that can keep you afloat amidst the often unpredictable and challenging aspects of life with chronic illness. It involves actively taking steps to preserve or improve your health, well-being, and happiness, especially under the stress of chronic illness.
Despite the above photo, this post is not about the self-care you might see on social media - bubble baths, face masks and manicures. While any of those acts may be a part of your pampering routine, I am referring to something a bit harder to depict in a photo. It's about the unglamorous, daily self-care that's a testament to your commitment to your well-being and not a production for anyone else. It's for the warriors braving autoimmune conditions, navigating chronic pain, and enduring the unseen battles within.
Redefining Self-Care with Chronic Illness
Before we skip ahead to tips and tricks, let's shift our paradigm. The term 'self-care' has been glamorized in a way that often feels unattainable for most of us. In reality, self-care may look like a choice to rest when the world expects you to work. It could be the difficult decision to eat right when fatigue screams for junk food. And, most often, it is slowly and consistently tending to your wellness.
Understand that self-care isn't selfish; it's a selfless commitment to your well-being. And with the narrative rightfully reclaimed, we're empowered to explore a personalized self-care regimen that's sustainable and nurturing.
Now that we share an understanding of self-care in the context of chronic illness, here are my top recommendations for practicing Chronically Well self-care.
4 Essential Self-Care Practices for Living Well with Chronic Illness -
ONE - Build Your Chronically Well Habits
Building your self-care architecture on a foundation of holistic wellness is pivotal. It encompasses:
Rest
Living with a chronic illness brings unique challenges and hurdles, but amidst them all, the act of giving yourself permission to rest stands out as a beacon of self-care. It's easy to fall into the trap of viewing rest as unproductive or feeling guilty for not meeting society's relentless pace. However, when you're navigating the complexities of chronic illness, rest becomes not just beneficial but essential. It's an act of kindness towards your body, giving it the space it needs to repair and strengthen. Incorporating intentional rest into your routine—be it through consistent sleep schedules, mindful breaks throughout the day, or tuning out stress-inducing inputs—can transform your health landscape.
Nourishment, Hydration, and Medication
Nourishing our bodies in a way that supports our underlying wellness is an important form of self-care. This practice becomes even more vital when living with a chronic condition, as it can significantly impact the management and progression of disease. By focusing on nourishing your body in a way that promotes health and vitality (and as may be prescribed by your healthcare providers), you can enhance their quality of life and potentially alleviate some of the symptoms associated with your condition.
Movement
Whether you find yourself bed bound, dedicating time to gentle stretching exercises, or capable of participating in more intense workouts, the vast majority of us living with chronic illness can reap benefits from incorporating some form of movement into our lives. Adding regular physical activity to your self-care routine not only helps in maintaining your current state of health but can also lead to improvements in various aspects of your physical well-being. Engaging in movement, even in small amounts, can significantly contribute to managing symptoms, enhancing mood, and boosting overall energy levels. Taking proactive steps to incorporate this practice can be a pivotal part of navigating the challenges of chronic illness with resilience and strength.
Mindfulness
Being chronically ill brings its fair share of mental and emotional strain. It's essential to acknowledge and validate those feelings, but it's equally crucial to implement practices that promote mindfulness. Mindfulness means being fully present in the current moment, accepting what is without judgment, and allowing yourself to move forward with greater clarity and compassion towards yourself. Practices such as meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature can significantly reduce stress and enhance emotional health. Engaging in these mindfulness activities can profoundly impact your overall well-being.
For further reading about taking an Integrative Approach to wellness and the importance of rest, click through to these blog posts.
TWO - Nurture Your Thriving Mindset
Creating a thriving mindset is not just an act of resilience; it's a profound form of self-care. While our illnesses may pose limitations, our mindsets hold the power to transform our experience. By accepting our conditions, practicing self-compassion, and harboring hope, we unlock a deeper level of care for ourselves. This thriving mindset shifts the focus from mere survival to holistic wellness, where every choice becomes a step toward a more vibrant life. It's about making peace with our bodies and recognizing that, despite the challenges, there are opportunities to improve our quality of life. In essence, cultivating a thriving mindset is acknowledging that, even in the face of illness, we can nurture our health and well-being to blossom in ways we never thought possible.
For further support in nurturing your Thriving Mindset, subscribe to my newsletter to obtain instant access to the Chronically Well Mindset free 7-day program!
THREE - Choose Joy
Choosing joy amidst the trials of chronic illness is more than just a fleeting act of happiness; it's a vital form of self-care that can fundamentally shift how you engage with your condition. It's about connecting with the essence of your being—those unique quirks, passions, and laughs that make you, well, you. Engaging with activities that bring you joy, whether it's a heartwarming book on a tough day or a nature walk when you're feeling better, feeds your spirit and promotes well-being. This isn't about ignoring the pain or the fatigue but about finding balance and grounding yourself in reasons to cherish life, even on the hard days.
Find out more about why choosing joy is integral to living Chronically Well in this blog post.
four - Champion your needs and wants
Self-advocacy is a crucial part of self-care for those living with chronic illness. By speaking up about your needs, whether it's in adjusting your daily tasks or communicating with healthcare professionals, you're taking an active role in your wellness journey. Making sure that your needs are met is an act of self-respect that can ultimately help you to live well despite the challenges of chronic illness. When you advocate for yourself, you're recognizing that you know your mind and body better than anyone else and that you are making choices that align with your personal goals and values.
For more reading about self-advocacy, here is one of my favorite blog posts about championing your well-being.
Find Your Version Of Self-Care
Join Chronically Well to integrate wellness into your life in a way that nurtures you as you are each day.
The Continuing Journey To Live Chronically Well
I want to acknowledge and applaud the courage it takes to prioritize your well-being amid the complexities of chronic illness. It's not an easy path, yet here you are, showing up for yourself by reading about self-care.
Every step you take towards self-care, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is a profound act of self-love. Whether it's choosing to rest despite pressing deadlines, opting for nourishing foods when convenience calls, or carving out moments for mindfulness amidst the chaos—these decisions contribute to a foundation of living Chronically Well.
Your challenges are real, and your efforts to maintain your well-being are worthy of celebration. I encourage you to continue exploring what Chronically Well self-care looks like for you. There's no one-size-fits-all solution here; it's about finding what resonates with your unique needs and allows you to thrive, even on the tough days.
And if you're feeling inspired to deepen your commitment to self-care, consider joining the Chronically Well program. Together, we can build self-care into your life in a way that nurtures you as you are each day.
What regular practices can nurture your Chronically Well life?
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