Embracing Joy To Find Your Chronically Well Balance
Even on the worst days, joy has an important role in creating your unique balance with chronic illness.
Living with a chronic illness is a delicate balancing act. Between doctor’s appointments, symptom management, and daily responsibilities, it can feel like every aspect of your life revolves around the illness itself. But here’s the thing—there’s so much more to you than your diagnosis.
Choosing joy, even when you’re not feeling 100%, can help you find balance and reconnect with who you are.
It’s not about ignoring your struggles; it’s about adding moments of brightness to help you find your Chronically Well Balance.
This post will guide you through WHY joy matters and HOW you can invite it into your life, one small step at a time.
What Does Joy Mean For Chronic Illness Warriors?
Joy doesn’t mean being happy all the time; that’s an impossible standard for anyone. Instead, it’s more about pausing to acknowledge what makes life feel meaningful, enjoyable, or uplifting—even in tiny doses.
Think of joy as a reminder of your purpose, your passions, or the things that make you smile despite a challenging day. Joy can be:
Laughing at a goofy TV show while wrapped up in a cozy blanket.
Seeing a loved one’s face light up during a call.
Savoring that perfect cup of coffee in the morning.
For Chronic Illness Warriors, joy is more than an emotional state—it’s a lifeline that brings balance, purpose, and resilience.
For related reading, I invite you to read my post “How To Find Your Chronic Wellness Balance.”
The Science of Joy and Healing
Joy doesn’t just feel good; it’s also good for your body. Studies show that positive emotions like joy can:
Encourage the release of healing hormones—think serotonin and endorphins.
Lower stress hormones, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Switch your body from “fight or flight” to “rest and repair” mode, which is essential for healing.
Strengthen your immune system over time.
By making small moments of joy a daily practice, you’re not just contributing to your emotional wellness but also giving your body the conditions it needs to heal and thrive.
For related reading, check out my post, “Why Joy Will Help You Live Chronically Well.”
How To Find Joy (Even When You Feel Awful)
On those tough days when your symptoms feel all-consuming, joy might seem impossible to muster. But joy doesn’t have to be a grand event—it can be the smallest spark of light during a dark moment. Here are some practical steps to invite joy into your life, no matter how you're feeling:
1. Identify what brings you joy
Take some time to reflect on the things you love. They can be as simple as reading a great book, lighting a candle, or gazing out a window at nature. If you’re unsure, pay attention to the moments that make you smile during even the toughest days.
2. Adapt to Your “Body Budget”
What brings you joy might differ depending on whether it’s a “good day” or a “bad day.” For example:
Good Day Joy: Painting, cooking, or taking a walk outside.
Bad Day Joy: Watching a lighthearted show, listening to soothing music, or snuggling with a pet.
The key is to adjust your activities based on your energy levels and symptoms. There's no wrong way to experience joy.
3. Start small, but stay consistent
Aim for just five minutes of intentional joy each day. It doesn’t have to be complicated—write a quick journal entry about what you’re grateful for, laugh at a meme, or call a friend. Those moments of connection to joy add up over time.
4. Don’t wait for a “better” day
Remember, joy isn’t reserved for symptom-free days. You deserve to experience joy right now, no matter how you’re feeling. Manage expectations—on a rough day, sending a heartfelt text to a loved one or enjoying the fresh scent of lavender can be enough. On better days, you might feel up to taking on a bigger activity like crafting or going for an outing.
5. create a joy toolkit
Think of this as your “go-to” list for joy on demand. Fill it with things that make you feel good:
A playlist of uplifting songs.
A few favorite quotes or affirmations saved on your phone.
A box of key items like tea, a favorite book, or skincare products for a soothing ritual.
On hard days, this toolkit can be an important means of caring for yourself.
For support in finding your version of Chronically Well
Explore working with me through my Chronically Well coaching membership.
Balancing Joy With The Realities Of Chronic Illness
Choosing joy doesn’t mean ignoring the hardships of chronic illness. It’s about finding balance—a way to coexist with the challenges while still prioritizing moments of happiness and connection. It’s about choosing to live with chronic illness, rather than feeling consumed by it.
Here's why this balance is important:
Reclaim Your Sense of Self: Chronic illness can make you feel defined by symptoms or diagnosis. Joy reminds you there’s so much more to who you are.
Maintain Motivation: Joy fuels your “why”—your reason for advocating for yourself, finding solutions, and pushing forward even when it’s hard.
Foster Hope: Even on difficult days, moments of joy can uplift you enough to look ahead with a bit of optimism.
Living Chronically Well Starts With Small Choices
Finding balance and joy when you’re managing chronic illness takes practice, patience, and persistence. Some days will be tougher than others, but investing in even the tiniest moments of positivity can make a big difference.
Start small. Pick one thing each day hat brings you joy and commit to experiencing it, no matter how you feel. Over time, those small moments will grow into a larger sense of chronic wellness.
Looking for more inspiration and support? Work with a compassionate health and wellness coach who understands the unique challenges of living with chronic illness. Together, we’ll create a plan to help you discover your balance and thrive in ways that feel meaningful to you.
You deserve joy. Start finding it today!
What’s one thing that brings you joy, even on your worst days?
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