Chronically Fabulous

2 situations have come together in the 21st century to create an interesting phenomenon - advances in medical care & a highly stressful lifestyles.



What's the phenomenon?


A huge increase in people living with chronic conditions.


Because of our advances in medical care, conditions that used to be debilitating or deadly, are now chronic, but livable.



Because of our highly stressful lives, many more of us are becoming prone to stress-related conditions (not just anxiety disorders, but autoimmune disorders & other conditions caused or activated by long-term stress).



Is it possible to live well with a chronic condition?

Absolutely!

I've met a bunch of people living Chronically Fabulous!!!



Spending a few wonderful days this weekend with members & staff of the National Psoriasis Foundation at their annual conference was an amazing experience. I met so many people living Chronically Fabulous - people who have developed fascinating ways to integrate fun & full lives into managing a chronic condition! I was - I am - impressed!


In researching how some live well with their chronic conditions, I've come up with a few tips:

1. The first & most important step is "negotiating a co-existance with (the) sinister force"1 This is all about our relationships with others & our relationships with your bodies. Some manage well during this time...others crumble.




2. Pay close attention - Listen. By tuning into the subtle hints our bodies send us, we can catch the early warning signs of illness before anything gets out of control. (Just be careful not to obsess!)




3. Put our bodies 1st - giving ourselves permission to be human, not superhuman is vital in reducing the physical, mental & emotional stressors that can lead to relapse of a chronic condition in remission.




4. Schedule rest - important for everyone, but medicinal for those living with chronic condition(s)! Never underestimate the power of rest to heal!



5. Create time & space for joy - Joyful living becomes so much more important when we spend so much time focused on our health. Negative must be balanced (or overcome) with a great dose of fun & joy!



6. Get creative - solutions are everywhere! I recently met a woman who had such severe arthritis she couldn't pick up small objects...her creative solution...2 adorable service dogs! They are about 5 pounds each & not only help her in this manner, but bring joy into her life & the lives of everyone she & they meet!



7. Team up - isolation can be depressing. Finding others who have similar interests, conditions, etc. can be inspiring. Check out these sites: Chronic Babe & Healing Well or others.
   

If you or someone you love is living with a chronic condition, I encourage you to incorporate some of these tips into your life & begin or keep living Chronically Fabulous.

Next article - watch for the list of Joyful & Fun & Energizing Activities we can incorporate into our lives. The list is a result of brainstorming by participants of my Powerful Choices workshop during the National Psoriasis Foundation's Together in Change annual conference - I promised to publish it for them & I'm excited for everyone to see their great work!

Have a great week!

Kim

1: http://www.umass.edu/fsap/articles/ill.html