Approximately 150 million Americans have been diagnosed with a chronic illness. Of that 150 million, roughly 100 million have been diagnosed with more than one. When you’re living with chronic illness, even the smallest setback can feel really frustrating and all-consuming. You’ve made so much progress, and now you may feel like you’re starting over at square one. How can you focus on the good and stay positive about the future as you deal with those more difficult times? Here are some tips on managing setbacks and continuing to look ahead.
Take time to do small things that bring you joy
Write letters, reorganize your closet, or read a book of poetry. We often take small simple tasks for granted. Their simplicity can seem too easy for us when we are in the midst of a busy life, but when we are ill they might be at just the right pace for us and help calm us down, reducing our stress by adopting a positive thinking mindset. Unsure as to how to staying positive during cancer treatment? Doing small things for yourself and recognizing your emotions as a type of grief are important first steps. Reaching out in small ways to help others can also help you feel better. Remember: You’re only human, so be kind to yourself.
Let others take care of you
If you’re the type of person who holds on to a strong front on being independent and not wanting to be looked after by others, you might find that these things might be holding you back from allowing others to empathize with you by getting closer to you emotionally. You might be the type of person who often takes on the role of taking care of others, and it might be hard to accept that now it is your time to be taken care of.
Being sick is a great time to practice asking for and receiving the help and care of others. This can be especially true if we express gratitude to those helping in a way that doesn’t involve a sense of guilt or discomfort with their offering. Accepting help authentically and expressing gratitude whole-heartedly, helps us remember how both parties benefit from the exchange of kindness.
Re-prioritize self-care
Self-care is something people often neglect in pursuit of doing things for other people and, especially due to an illness, it can be easy to feel like you have more time to focus on all the acts of kindness you are missing out on carrying out for friends and family. Find ways to make boring self-care tasks like doctor’s visits or doing the dishes feel more enjoyable and less like a chore. For example, combining trips to the dentist or the doctor’s with a short visit to the library or a break at your favorite coffee shop can make the mundane seem exciting again.
Find yourself stuck on how to approach a family member or friend who is chronically ill but you still want to give them your time to make them feel better? It might be helpful to read about some creative ways to connect with senior loved ones as outlined in an older blog post.
