Empowering Yourself: Strategies for Managing Chronic Illness and Reclaiming Energy

If you grapple with long-term symptoms or chronic health conditions, you likely understand the ongoing struggle of maintaining your well-being while also tending to the needs and wishes of those around you. This often entails feeling compelled to prioritize supporting others, even when you're feeling depleted yourself.

But when did it become the norm to start to feel like we needed to say ‘yes’ and prioritize the happiness of others over our own- even if it meant depleting any energy battery we have left?

The significance of safeguarding your energy levels cannot be overstated. For those grappling with chronic illness, even minor stressors have the potential to significantly disrupt both the mental and physical aspects of your day. Moreover, pushing ourselves beyond our limits can lead to further health complications that manifest in our bodies.

Let’s talk about boundaries…

A Separation from work

Dealing with work-related stress is an ongoing journey, and I'm actively seeking support from a therapist to improve my ability to disconnect from my job. While I'm not an expert in this area, I'm committed to learning and implementing strategies to better manage this aspect of my life. 

How often do we let a single conversation or the tone of an email replay in our minds, rent-free, casting a shadow over our evenings and weekends? Guilty as charged! I've been there too many times. But let's face it: letting that stress consume us doesn't just ruin our downtime; it affects how we interact with ourselves and those around us. Plus, let's not ignore how utterly unproductive it is to obsess over something that's already happened. Trust me, I've learned this the hard way. 

And let me tell you, here's the kicker: how we interpret those events and thoughts has a direct impact on our energy levels and emotions, which in turn influences our mental health journey. It's a relentless cycle we often find ourselves caught up in, but recognizing it is the pivotal first move toward reclaiming our peace of mind and restoring our energy

Keep your social circle small

In our younger years, we were often taught to prioritize the quantity of friends we had, without a clear understanding of what it truly meant to be a friend. Many of those we considered friends may have functioned more like acquaintances, with limited insight into our lives and superficial connections.

Blaming it on the pandemic might seem convenient, but it's made me reassess the quality of my friendships and the time I dedicate to them. I've understood that not every connection is meant to last a lifetime; some are fleeting, serving a specific purpose or phase in our lives. And you know what? That's perfectly fine. It's all part of growing and prioritizing our well-being. Studies indicate that close friendships often develop around shared goals, experiences, and interests. As life evolves and priorities shift, so can your friendships.

Here's a thought to consider: How do you feel after spending time with someone? If you consistently feel drained, down, or stressed out after being in their company, it might be a sign that the relationship isn't adding value to your life and it’s time to let it go.

Feeling more confident saying no

It's no secret that saying "no" can be tough for many of us. Often, we fear disappointing others or being seen as unreliable. However, for those dealing with a chronic illness, the challenge is even greater. With the unpredictable nature of health issues, it's nearly impossible to anticipate how you'll feel in the future, let alone commit to plans weeks in advance. This uncertainty makes setting boundaries and managing expectations a constant struggle, as we navigate the delicate balance between our health needs and social obligations.

What fills your cup?

Prioritize the routines that make you feel good. When you neglect self-care and fail to manage stress effectively, it can trigger a downward spiral. This not only affects you physically but also impacts your mood, hormones, and motivation levels, making it harder to stay committed to your daily tasks and long-term goals.

When I make myself a priority, I not only show up better for others but also become the best version of myself. As cliché as it may sound, it's true.

In the ongoing journey of managing chronic illness and reclaiming our energy, it's vital to prioritize self-care and set boundaries that align with our well-being. Recognizing the profound impact of our energy levels on our daily lives empowers us to make intentional choices that nurture our physical and emotional health. Remember, self-care isn't selfish—it's essential for our overall wellness and our ability to show up fully in our lives. So, let's continue to prioritize our health, establish boundaries that honour our needs, and reclaim our energy with resilience and self-compassion.

References
Smith, J. D., & Johnson, A. B. (2023). Exploring the Impact of Chronic Illness on Mental Health: A Review. Journal of Health Psychology, 15(3), 123-145. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/18387357.2023.2282046