The challenges faced by people with multiple health conditions Part 3
- Suzanne
- Jan 29
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 7
Part Three - Top 10 things that help me get through the day while living with a long-term health condition
The challenges of daily living (completing simple tasks, staying motivated and protecting mental health) are all part of managing of a chronic condition. This month's blog is geared to help you recognise that we are all in this together - what you're going through is normal, hard work and the following will support this and make the day seem a little easier:
1. Regular medication times
Taking a number of medications on time and in the right order can be a lot to remember. Having a routine, pillbox or setting alarms on your phone can help to ensure you take your medication on time but also that you take it as recommended.
Read the leaflets that come with all medications to keep yourself safe. Check if it should be with food for example. If you have pituitary insufficiency or Addison’s disease then taking your morning cortisol before you actually need it so it has time to work could make a big impact on your day. Important to take your medication on time gives the key benefits.
2. Good hydration
Hydration supports lots of bodily functions. Drinking water first thing in the morning can help you feel and function better throughout the day. When your body has been without fluid all night, morning hydration is really good for your body. Take a glass of water to bed, a water bottle or chilled flask to save you a trip to the kitchen. Here's a link to the NHS guidelines.
3. Healthy food
When you have chroic Gpain, eating "healthy" food can feel like a m,assivestruggle. Chronic pain can mean that convenience is preferred over meal prep porchooking from scratch.
WSome find that batch cooking on good days and then freezing portions for later can support good nutrition on diffcult days. Aim to "eat the rainbow" by including fruits and vegetables of as many colours as possible for your schedule. Enjoy colourful foods from The British Heart Foundation explains what each rainbow colour does for nutrition in our bodies.
4. Getting good quality sleep
The quality of the sleep we get can affect our ability to function day to day. Lack of sleep can negatively impact mood and fatigue levels. Having a good sleep hygiene plan can help...
regular bedtimes
calming activities
a warm drink like herbal tea
lavender pillow spray
5. Exercise and movement
Exercise is important to everyone and that includes those with disabilities, and long term health conditions. The release of endorphins can improve mood, increase heart health and boost circulation. Physiotherapy may be required and that should be the priority. After that, look for activities or sports that you enjoy. It could be a walk in your local park or an online exercise class. My Living Well offers specific advice on moving with long-term health conditions. Book a free trial with Mobilates here.
6. Self-Care
Looking after yourself is the key to helping others. Something as small as massaging your favourite hand cream before bed or using your favourite perfume could be classified as self-care. Treating yourself to a haircut or even painting your nails would work well. Good Housekeeping has fifty ideas to get you started.
7. Get Outside In Nature
Being outside in nature has a number of grounding and calming effects. Fresh air and the sounds of nature can help to regulate your nervous system and feel some relief in the day. The outside world has so much to offer - calmness - tranquillity - the ability to reach our senses - to provide an escape. Take time to give yourself a trip outside each day. A few minutes out in the garden or a trek through a nature reserve can deeply impact mental and physical health. Mental Health Charity Mind have some everyday tips for getting out in nature.
8. Relaxation
Stress and illness go hand in hand. If your condition is exacerbated by stress, its important to honour yourself with time to unwind wherever possible. How you choose to relax is very individual. Yoga or meditation may be the answer for some, others prefer puzzles, being creative, knitting, paiting or recharging with social time. Relaxation Techniques for Stress Relief explores a variety of options that are easy to implement.
9. Visualisation and Imagination
On days when you cannot manage your favourite activity or there is no time taking just a minute to visualise that activity can be just as beneficial. Take a moment and find somewhere quiet. Close your eyes and picture a berautiful scene. You could be climbing a snow-topped mountain, kayacking in a crystal clear lake or in another universe. Imagine yourself where you feel happy and relaxed. Positive Psychology can help guide you through three different types of visualisation.
10. Connect With Others
Some people recharge when they have a number of social interactions in a day. Use your friends, family or support network — whether that’s in person, online or over the phone. Technology gives us so many more options to stay connected wiht others when a chronic condition might limit our ability to travel or leave the house. Even switching on the radio or TV can help give some comfort and company. NHS programme Every Mind Matters looks at ways to combat loneliness and staying connected.
Always remember you are not alone. In the UK, chronic pain affects a large portion of the adult population, with estimates ranging from 35% to 51%, which translates to approximately 28 million people. Specifically, a significant number, around 8 million, report moderate to severely disabling pain.
Mobilates is here to support you. We have a range of online exercise classes, chats, meet ups and the Mobilates Mob Facebook group.
Helpful Links
Mobilates CIC provides online and in-person inclusive exercises classes for people in the UK. Classes centre around supporting people with mobility issues, chronic pain, disabilities and long-term health conditions.
Comments