Living with Chronic Illness: How to Keep a Healthy Mind and Spirit
By The Lavender Team
3 min read
Living with a chronic illness can feel like life threw you a really big curveball, and it’s totally okay to feel stressed sometimes. Juggling work, repeated doctor’s appointments, and all the adult responsibilities while managing unexpected flare-ups can be a lot to handle. But guess what? Even with this curveball, you're so much stronger than you think, and you can live a fulfilling life. It’s all about finding ways to care for your whole self—mind, body, and spirit—that can help you through those times when you’re feeling a little low.
Build Your Support Squad
Having a few people to talk to can help you feel seen and heard. Lean on friends, family, or join a support group where you can connect with others who have experienced and overcome similar challenges. Sharing your experiences can be incredibly helpful, and sometimes just knowing you’re not alone can make you feel better.
Find Your Joy in the Little Things
It’s easy to get caught up with the daily challenges of living with a chronic illness, but try to take a moment each day to engage in activities you love while noticing the good, little things along the way. This can be something like enjoying the fresh outdoor air, ordering your favorite meal, or reading your favorite book before bed. These little moments of joy can make your day feel a little brighter.
Expand Your Skill Sets
If you’ve ever wanted to take up a new hobby, like learning a new language, gardening, or trying your hand at writing—go for it! Learning new skills can keep your mind sharp and can be a real confidence booster, especially during the times when you need a pick-me-up.
Embrace Change
Life with chronic illness can be full of surprises. Things won’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. Embrace the changes that come your way and give yourself the grace to adapt to those changes at your own pace. Sometimes, these unexpected changes can lead to amazing new things you didn’t know about yourself. Embracing change also means learning how to bounce back from setbacks, and this is where talking to a mental health professional can make a difference in how you feel.
Stop the Stress
Find healthy ways to manage stress and anxiety. Mindfulness practices like meditation and deep breathing can work wonders. Prioritize good sleep, eat nourishing foods, and try to fit regular exercise into your schedule too. These simple habits can ease both your mind and body, helping you feel more at ease.
Be Kind to Your Mind
There will be days when you’re not feeling your best, and that’s completely okay. Acknowledge any limitations you may face and find ways to adapt without beating yourself up about it. Remember that things might look a little different for you from someone else, but that doesn’t mean you should give up.
Treat Yourself
You deserve to treat yourself! Don’t hesitate to indulge in self-care activities that bring you happiness. Soak in a warm bath, spend some time in nature, binge-watch a TV show, or have an at-home movie night. Self-care activities are a great way to stay positive while taking care of your mind, body, and spirit.
Living with chronic illness can be tough, but with the right mindset, you can still thrive. Be gentle with yourself and recognize the progress you’ve made, even if it feels small. If you're having a hard time coping, don't hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional—they can offer the support you need and help you find strategies that will work best for you.