When you suffer from a chronic illness, self-care can be a full-time job. In fact, I probably spend over 39 hours a week on self-care. Fifteen years of practice make me an expert. I’ve learned that if I really commit to consistent self-care, I can feel pretty good most of the time. I also learned that without the extensive support of my highly structured self-care routines, I quickly notice that I do indeed suffer from an energy-limiting chronic illness (ME/CFS).
Self-care is both a wonderful gift and a begrudging obligation depending on how I choose to view it in the moment. However, I do my best to continue to focus on what I get out of it and not on what I need to put into it to make it work well! I love what it can give me and I try to avoid feeling resentful because I have so little room for spontaneity and difference in my life.
My self-care falls into two very important categories: what promotes my physical well-being and what promotes my happiness. Without the second, I have no motivation for the first, and without the first, the second is much more stimulating!
When I wake up, I dive into my box of affirmations with luck, then connect to my vision, trusting and letting go. It’s all about supporting my mindset and working with the law of attraction.
Then I make myself a glass of hot water and lemon. I drink a few full cups while I do my Tai Chi warm-up. Rehydration and gentle movement are important to support my lymphatic system and begin detoxification. I always feel a little poisoned first thing in the morning, but after my morning workouts I feel much better. My form of Tai Chi falls into both categories. I see it as both a form of energy medicine and a practice of presence and connection with oneness. I then meditate for 20 to 25 minutes; Physically, it helps me engage my parasympathetic nervous system, which allows my body to direct its resources toward healing. Emotionally, I start the day feeling calm and positive.
I run my own business from home, so I can manage my own hours based on illness needs. Before I begin, I listen to a brief motivational audio reminding me who I am and what I am committed to creating. In order to have a feeling of accomplishment, I have to be very structured in the way I work. I need to do something creative first thing in the morning before my thinking skills slow down. For me, self-care is about knowing how to get the most out of myself and avoid frustration and disappointment at how little I’ll get done if I get distracted by my emails and social media before I to have time. creative stuff done.
Throughout my work morning, I drink several cups of green tea for its antioxidant properties. (In the past, I wouldn’t have been able to handle the caffeine involved, but since I’m much better than before, I can manage now as long as I stop at lunchtime.)
A late breakfast serves several purposes. The main reason is that I have found that 15 hours of intermittent fasting really supports my well-being. When I’m enjoying my work, I sometimes have trouble remembering to take a break, but breakfast provides a substantial break. Another aspect of self-care is eating mindfully and not jumping at the end of the meal to get back into action. (It’s definitely still a work in progress.)
I have another break later in the morning, starting with a short dance to change my energy and help me let go of whatever I’m thinking about. My second break is often also the shower, and self-care involves relaxing, taking my time, and enjoying the sensuality of my skincare routines.
Self-being careful also means stopping work earlier before I get tense or tired.
I eat a lot of fresh organic vegetables (home grown in season) and usually have lunch with a salad or vegetable soup. Self-care also means preparing food for myself with as much love and care as I would if I were preparing it for someone else.
After lunch, it’s time to rest. I aim for at least 10 minutes of rest without stimulation and when time permits I combine this with some vitamin D therapy (tanning). Then I settle into an easy-to-read novel, for about an hour.
Next comes my Donna Eden energy exercises to help me get started again, followed by my journaling. My journal focuses on personal development and helps me pay attention to gratitude and appreciation.
Then comes an hour of yoga and meditation, both physically and spiritually.
I can then have another hour of work before an early dinner to make sure I can fast for 15 hours.
After dinner, it’s game time. I make sure to spend at least an hour enjoying something that lifts my spirits. Often, it’s working in my vegetable garden or going for a walk. Both of these activities help me achieve another self-care goal: daily connection with nature.
If I decide to watch something for entertainment, I turn off the screens at 9 p.m. and spend an hour relaxing with a book before the lights go out. But often I’d rather have a quick visit with a friend than watch TV. Connecting with friends and family also means taking care of yourself.
Essential oils are another important aspect of my self-care. They help me relax and manage my mood when things are difficult.
For me, self-care also means giving myself time and space to experience my emotions, recognizing and accepting what is with compassion. It works on my mindset to help me see things in a positive way. My goal is to be playful and confident, light and joyful, loving and kind – but I also accept that I am human and I choose to be kind to myself when the emotional impact of living with a chronic illness takes its toll. devastation. I find that accepting my feelings with compassion allows them to be expressed and changed.
Taking care of yourself also means being kind to myself when I cannot do all of the above, and sometimes choosing to go beyond my limits in order to nourish the desire of my spirit, knowing that I accept the consequences and take care of me afterwards.
#SelfCareChallenge
