Healing Techniques for Managing Chronic Illness

Living with a chronic illness can be a challenging journey, both physically and emotionally. It often requires a multifaceted approach to managing symptoms and maintaining overall well-being. As someone who has personally navigated the complexities of chronic illness, I understand the importance of finding healing techniques that work for you. One of the most crucial skills you can learn is how to advocate for yourself within the disability and medical system!

Why It Matters:

In today's blog post, we will explore some effective strategies that can be incorporated into your daily routine to support your healing journey.

Incorporating these healing techniques into your daily routine can help you manage your symptoms, reduce stress, and cultivate a deeper sense of well-being on your healing journey. Remember that healing is a personal and ongoing process, and it's important to find what works best for you. By building your own Mindful Balance Toolkit, you can empower yourself to take control of your health and create a life that is fulfilling and meaningful.

Healing stones and aromatherapy scents!

The Breakdown:

1. Mindful Meditation: Practicing mindfulness meditation can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression - all common experiences for individuals living with chronic illness. By focusing on the present moment without judgment, you can cultivate a sense of inner calm and improve your overall mental health. A valuable resource I highly recommend!

2. Gentle Yoga: Engaging in gentle yoga practices can help improve flexibility, strength, and balance while also promoting relaxation and stress relief. Yoga can be adapted to suit your specific needs and abilities, making it a great option for individuals with chronic illnesses. One of my top recommendations!

3. Journaling: Keeping a journal can be a powerful tool for processing emotions, identifying patterns in your symptoms, and tracking your progress over time. By reflecting on your experiences and expressing your thoughts and feelings on paper, you can gain valuable insights into your health and well-being. Check out this insightful guide I often use.

4. Deep Breathing Exercises: Deep breathing exercises can help calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation. By focusing on your breath and taking slow, deliberate breaths, you can activate the body's relaxation response and ease physical and emotional tension. Here’s a go-to tool I love.

5. Creative Expression: Engaging in creative activities, such as painting, music, writing, or crafting, can provide a valuable outlet for self-expression and emotional healing. Creative expression can help you connect with your inner self, process difficult emotions, and find joy amidst the challenges of chronic illness. One of my new Art Therapy projects is painting bird houses that represent a special, safe person in my life. Then I hang them in the trees in my yard. A visual reminder of loved ones being around me, passed or living.

   
   

Join me for more examples to help those living with Chronic Illness in later blog posts to come!

The Mindful Balance Exaggerated Self-Portrait

My Journey:

I have struggled with minor health issues most of my life, but it wasn't until I decided to have a baby and got pregnant that my body exhibited noticeable, consistently alarming changes. How could I go from being a Type-A, go-getter who worked full-time, climbed mountains for fun, and volunteered, to suddenly falling down and not being able to move? It was terrifying, especially with a newborn at home who had his own share of health challenges. It took me nearly two years of being solely focused on my son's health to even notice my own changes, and by that time, things were advancing quickly.

How I feel about having chronic illnesses has changed drastically over the years. Each diagnosis felt like both a hard-fought win and a loss. A win because I was finally acknowledged by a doctor, no longer just another unheard "woman with anxiety," and a loss because each diagnosis was daunting. It was kind of like, "Okay, now what?"

I share some of my diagnoses to decrease the stigma surrounding them and to provide more information about each illness in blog posts to come. Some of the conditions I live with include Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). My doctor, at the Center for Complex Neurology, EDS & POTS in Phoenix, AZ, refers to these as 'The Trifecta.' That name sounds almost like I won a lottery I never entered.

These illnesses currently do not have a cure or a pharmaceutical drug specifically designed for their management. In spite of this, I have found—through trials and errors, with the help of my team of doctors and health specialists—a way to manage many of the obstacles. One thing I find helpful is treating myself with grace and kindness. On days when my symptoms flare, I simply state, 'Today, I am symptomatic.' While the truth is that I manage symptoms every day, some days are better or worse. On those tougher days, that simple acknowledgment helps.

Your Turn:

Do you live with similar chronic illnesses? If you feel comfortable sharing, I encourage you to open up and join the conversation. When we share our experiences, we create a sense of community and remind each other that we’re not alone.

Until next time,

Want to keep the learning going?

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Disclaimer: This is a safe and supportive space where vulnerability is valued. All races, religions, gender identities, sexual orientations, backgrounds, and abilities—including those with chronic illnesses, mental health conditions, PTSD, and mobility challenges—are welcome with open hearts and good intentions. Please share your thoughts with kindness. Bullying, hate speech, or harmful comments will be immediately removed to maintain the integrity of this community.