Today we have another wonderful guest post from Scott Sanders on managing chronic illness and living a wholesome life. I have really been looking forward to posting this for the audience. Enjoy!
Scott Sanders is the creator of Cancer Well, which provides resources and support for anyone who has been affected by any form of cancer. He firmly believes that self-care and spiritual wellness are cornerstones in dealing with the effects of cancer.
A chronic illness is a condition that lasts for three months or more. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 53.4% of adults 18-34 in the United States live with at least one chronic illness. That’s half of all young adults!
Chronic illnesses include conditions like heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and asthma. Many of these illnesses can be managed through nutritious eating, exercising, managing stress, and other healthy lifestyle choices. StephanieWellbeing has a few essential tips for folks with a chronic condition:
Eat Well.
Eating healthy is one of the most critical things we can do to manage chronic illness. Among other benefits, a healthy diet can help reduce inflammation, lower risk of heart disease and stroke, and improve overall health.
Anti-inflammatory foods include omega-3 fatty acids, ginger, turmeric, and dark leafy greens among others. There are many delicious, easy-to-prepare recipes online that will help control inflammation and reclaim well-being.
Practice Self-Care.
Self-care is important for managing stress and improving one’s overall health. Taking time to relax and recharge can help increase positivity and motivation. Some self-care ideas include getting regular exercise, taking breaks throughout the day, spending time with friends and family, and doing something enjoyable every day. Ideally, pair two of these together (e.g. take a walk with family or friends after cooking dinner together). Other ideas include baths with epsom salts, journaling nightly before bed, massages or yin yoga which is a very slow yoga practice focused on holding poses for longer to reach a deeper state of relaxation and ease.
Reduce Stress.
Stress can make chronic illness symptoms worse, so find ways to reduce triggers in life. Identify what causes anxiety and find healthy ways to cope with it. Exercise, meditation, journaling, and spending time in nature are all excellent strategies for lowering stress levels. Consider trying a breathing technique like 4-7-8 breathing made popular by Andrew Weil, MD.
Consider Moving.
When living with a chronic illness, finding an accessible home is essential for wellbeing. Certain homes might exacerbate symptoms, making it difficult to manage one’s condition. A move to an accessible home can make all the difference.
There are many things to consider when searching for an accessible home. Firstly, make sure the home is in a convenient location. It should be close to family and friends, as well as doctors and other support services. The home should also be wheelchair-accessible, with a ramp or lift if necessary.
Further, consider the layout of the home. There should be plenty of open space to move around easily, and any furniture should be low-profile and easy to move. Easy access to the outdoors can be helpful for walks or exposure to natural light which can help align our circadian rhythm.
If it is difficult to find an accessible home that meets all your needs, don’t worry; many resources are available to help find the perfect property. Start by contacting the local housing authority or disability services agency for a list of accessible homes in the area, and use well-established listing websites to compare home prices in different neighborhoods.
Build Support.
It’s essential to build a supportive network of compassionate family and friends. Talking to others who have similar experiences can be incredibly helpful. There are also many online support groups available to connect with other individuals struggling with chronic illness.
Seek Professional Help.
Don’t hesitate to seek professional help when struggling to cope with chronic illness or if symptoms are worsening. A therapist or counselor can help with stress management and work through emotions one may be feeling about their diagnosis. A primary care doctor or registered dietitian can provide recommendations on how to eat healthily and manage symptoms through lifestyle changes. Further, medical doctors may help design a personalized plan for managing pain symptoms which may include certain prescriptions as well as a referral to an acupuncturist or other adjuvant modalities.
Conclusion
Living with a chronic illness can be hard, but there are practices to improve one’s quality of life. Eating healthy, practicing self-care, reducing stress, building support, and/or seeking professional help when needed are all excellent ways to manage chronic illness. These are just a few strategies proven to work — stay tuned for future posts on how to boost quality of life!