by Last Updated on January 4, 2024 by Avia
Staying positive and taking care of yourself is paramount when you’re living with a chronic illness. Consider inward and outward practices so you can feel as good as possible, and try to take on each new day with a smile. Medication helps, but that’s only one part of the equation. There are many other practices that you can do to stimulate healing when dealing with chronic illness and thrive going forward.
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Organize, Declutter, And Simplify Your Life
The first step to stimulating healing when dealing with chronic illness is to find ways to feel less pain and anxiety throughout your day. Start by looking around your living space and find areas of improvement that can make your life easier. If your condition makes it hard to get around or you’re constantly worried that you’ll trip over furniture, carpet, and things on the ground, then it may be time to declutter and clean the space or have someone help you to do so.
This is a chance to eliminate furniture you don’t use that only gets in the way. You could also swap it out for ottomans and tables with space inside for things that are cluttering your home. Decluttering allows you to organize and put things where they belong so the space isn’t so messy.
This project may require that you get rid of some items. The good news is that there is a special place for just about every type of donation. If you’re removing furniture and household items, you can donate to organizations like Habitat for Humanity. Send unwanted cell phones and electronics to The Bone Yard; they may even give you money for your trouble. Vehicles you no longer need can be sent to the Wheels for Wishes Foundation.
Donating items to charity can be incredibly fulfilling and great for your mental health, so you can really help yourself by doing a good deed. Living in a clean space is also good for your mind because when your home is cluttered, it’s easy to get stressed about how to get everything clean, and you don’t need any unnecessary anxiety.
Get Out And Enjoy Your Life
Sometimes, the best way to stimulate healing when dealing with chronic illness is to literally go outward into the world. Take the opportunities to get out and socialize and be with your friends, family, and whoever else is in your support network. The support of your peers is essential when managing your chronic illness. Being with others and receiving emotional comfort can enhance your mental well-being because you’ll feel a sense of connection and belonging.
You should also take the opportunity to reach out to other folks who are dealing with similar chronic conditions and just enjoy each other and talk. You can learn a lot from others as you share experiences and find new ways to tackle your condition and feel better in the long run.
If you’re looking for something to do with the group, consider spending time in nature. Time outside can manifest wonders for your physical and mental health and can even add years to your life. Many chronic illnesses can also keep folks awake at night, and time outside helps with that too. It’s the exposure to natural sunlight that can reset your circadian rhythm and help you get some much-needed rest.
You could also try out a new hobby that naturally lends itself to health and social activity. For example, playing an instrument has many health benefits – including melting stress away and reducing anxiety, as well as improved cognition. Playing music can easily be considered both an outward and inward practice. As you’re reaching out to engage with your instrument daily, you’re reaching inward to help your mind find healing.
Inward Practices
There are also many inward practices that you can incorporate into your life to feel more at ease about your chronic condition.
One of them is to practice meditation, which helps you get away from the world’s distractions and find inner peace so your stress can melt away. You can try many types of meditation, including focused meditation, where you focus on a specific thought or your breath. There’s also movement meditation, where you make slow, intentional movements, like in yoga, while blocking out the noise of the world. Find a type of meditation that works for you and add it to your daily routine.
Another inward practice is to focus on nutrition and eating the best food possible so you feel better overall. Many food choices can lessen the pain associated with specific health conditions. If you have diabetes, you’ll want to eat high-fiber foods and meals that won’t increase blood sugar levels. As another example, someone with osteoporosis should manage mineral intake and choose low-fat dairy, fruits, and vegetables. Talk to your doctor to learn what’s best for your situation.
The food you eat can also positively impact your mental health. For example, adopting a plant-based diet will help you align yourself with the natural world. Plus, you’ll know that by eating plants and avoiding meat-based products, you’re also helping animals and contributing positively to the environment, and it feels good to make a difference.
Medical Care Is Also Important
Although there are many ways to stimulate healing outside of the doctor’s office, it’s important to talk to your physician and use modern medicine when possible.
Sometimes, that’s easier said than done, especially when it comes to the cost or the limited services your current plan provides. The solution may simply be to look into extra help, which could involve choosing a Medicare supplement plan. One of these plans includes the Medicare Supplement Plan F, which is a good option if you frequently visit the doctor and you want to save money on your premium. There’s also the Medicare Supplement Plan G, which is helpful if you’re on a budget but you also need to travel out of the country for your care. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best options for you.
There are also many types of complementary and alternative medicine that will provide additional relief. One of these is massage therapy, which can reduce stress and help ease aches and pains. You can combine physical care with herbal medicine that your doctor approves and see how you feel as time goes on.
Conclusion
This is just the tip of the iceberg of the many outward and inward practices you can try to stimulate healing when dealing with chronic illness and help you feel better about your situation. Research your specific condition and talk to others in the same boat, and you can make life with your illness much more manageable.
About the Author: Ainsley Lawrence is a writer who loves to talk about good health, balanced life, and better living through technology. She is frequently lost in a good book.
