If you are suffering from a chronic, then you are not alone. You may be shocked to learn that chronic diseases (for example, dementia, arthritis, diabetes and cancer) are quite common. The most common chronic diseases are:
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Asthma
I am sure you know people (friends, family members, workmates, or even acquaintances) who suffer from at least one of these chronic illnesses. Of course, that is not to say that having a chronic illness is in any way normal, but it is quite common. If you are personally suffering with a chronic illness or know somebody who does, then this article is for you. Read on further to learn about the ways in which you can help them or yourself deal with the illness.
1. Have a strong support system
Everybody needs a strong support system, and so, the same applies if you are suffering from a chronic illness. Some of the reasons are listed below:
• A support system that is strong provides a sense of accountability, specifically accountability for your goals. What is meant by this? Well, if you have people around you that you feel free to talk to (about your dreams, aspirations, goals and even the more challenging and difficult topics), they can hold you accountable and push you to reach those goals. So, the beauty of a support system is that you can help one another out to be the best possible versions of yourself.
• We all need a listening ear and something to talk to. Importantly, having access to a strong support system is advantageous as it will allow you to vent or simply talk about what is on your mind. If you are suffering from and with a chronic illness, there may be extra challenges and hurdles that you must overcome. As such, you will need to have people, or a person, around to help you out. After all, humans are social creatures, so we need human interactions with others to thrive. You cannot and should not attempt to do everything alone. Yes, it is important to be somewhat independent, but there are many dangers involved with trying to do it all yourself. For instance, you can develop ample amounts of stress, anxiety and can get burnout.
• Having a good support system can help promote good mental health. Having a chronic illness can actually make you more prone to develop a mental health condition. So, it is important that you take even more control and care when it comes to your health and having a good support can help with that. This is because, without one, it is easy to feel alone. However, with one, you can share your thoughts, feelings and ideas and even socialize, which are all good for your mental health.
2. Create lists- stay organized
It can be comparatively easy to forget to do basic self-care related tasks when you are in pain and stressed (typically triggered by your chronic illness). So, you can use lists to help keep you organized and to take care of your health (mental and physical). There are many benefits of making lists, such as their ability to:
• Help you externalize what you need to remember. So, you can help clear your mind of the many things, tasks and activities that you need to do by making a list. Further, making a list will most likely make it easier for you to remember – a win-win situation.
• Generate new ideas. Often when making a list, when noting down some ideas, others come to mind, usually ones that you had not previously thought about. So, making lists can actually help you think of new (and important) things that you must do.
• Be concise. Lists are, by their very nature, short and sweet. So, instead of worrying and having many thoughts circling your mind, you can quickly create a list and get to the important points.
Apart from creating lists, another great way to help you stay organized is by using the services of a trusted Chronic Care Management company to help you manage all things relating to your chronic illness, such as assistance with medication refills, support in advancing your health care goals and assistance in finding home care.
3. Exercise
I am sure you have already heard and read multiple times about the benefits and importance of exercise. If you have, then good, because it is always important and sometimes, we needed to be reminded of just that. If not, you should know and research the importance of the task. Do not let your chronic illness get in the way of your life. So, make sure you keep a regular and consistent exercise routine to keep on top of your health. So, do not make them worse or exacerbate them by failing to exercise. Although you are unable to fully or even partially control some aspects of your health, you can influence (positively or negatively) other aspects. Choose the right side and influence your health and body in a positive manner by exercising.
4. Eat healthily
For example, there are some foods such as dry-cured meat, soft cheese and smoked fish which are bad to consume while on cancer treatment. Alternatively, if you are a type two diabetic, there are certain foods such as saturated fats, trans fat, beef and processed meats which you should try to avoid consuming as they are bad for your health.
