Living with a chronic disease can be scary, especially for those who don’t understand their condition. The only thing that may be circling their mind is that they’re dying. Yes, living with a chronic disease is terrifying, but when you learn to understand your situation, you will discover that life can be great!
Chronic diseases are medical conditions that some of us have to deal with over a long period of time. The treatment is not that easy. People with this condition should give closer attention to taking care of their body and may need to improve their lifestyle. Wayne Osborne, MD says that, “News of a long-term or lifelong condition can take its toll on both your physical and mental health. It can also affect your relationships, home, career and finances.”
Paying more attention to your health means doubling the effort and time in taking care of the body, and that is just what we’re all supposed to do.
What are the things that we need to remind ourselves of?
Get up Early and Greet the Sun
Mornings are gifts. They are new opportunities for us to spend our time wisely. Never waste mornings by curling up on your bed. Don’t hit the snooze. Get up. Stretch your body and greet the sun.
The sun is the best source of vitamin D also known as the “sunshine vitamin” which our body produces when exposed to the sunlight. Vitamin D aids in metabolism, boosts the immune system, promotes proper functioning of the nerves and muscles, and other physiological processes of the body. “Sunlight reaching the eyes can reset a person’s circadian rhythms, enabling a healthier sleep-wake cycle and better healing,” Michael Terman Ph.D. wrote.
Don’t get too exposed to the sun though. The best time to get your daily dose of vitamin D is from the time the sun rises until 9:00 am when the sun is not too hot on the skin. You can spend about 10-15 minutes out in the sun.
Drink at Least 8 Glasses of Water
We have probably heard this countless times, but do we pay attention to it? Most of us don’t. When you have a chronic disease, you will know the importance of each and every health reminder you hear when you were still healthy, but it’s never too late.
Get the optimum benefits of water and hydrate your body. It Increases energy, enhances immunity, aids in digestion, gets rid of toxins, and the list goes on. According to Matthew J. Edlund M.D., “Over a standard day, most of us do okay with three liters. When it’s hot, we need more.”
Eat Fruits and Vegetables
Back in the day when knowledge was limited, nature provided everything our body needs. Vitamins and minerals which are essential to keeping the body healthy can all be found in fruits and vegetables. They don’t need a sophisticated device to grow nor need someone to create them. They are around us and are ready to be eaten.
Get the nourishment you need by eating fruits and vegetables. The health benefits you can get from them are countless. They won’t cause you any harm, and you don’t need to watch how much you eat. So get rid of the junk foods you have in the refrigerator and start munching on the healthy stuff.
Get Enough Sleep
After a long day, our body needs to rest to regain its energy and heal. It is recommended to get 7-8 hours of sleep to keep the body healthy. Having enough sleep can lessen the pain when you have a chronic disease. It actually boosts the effectiveness of your pain medicine.
Although pain can make it hard to sleep at night, there are certain pain medications that also aid in sleeping. You can always ask your doctor about it.
Exercise Regularly
Our body needs regular exercise to stay healthy. It boosts the immunity and promotes proper regulation of blood in the body. It also helps prevent heart conditions and gives the body more energy. Yoga is one of the best exercises as it also involves calming the mind. This is beneficial especially for those who want to connect with their inner being.
Some chronic diseases may cause exercising impossible, but you may always ask your doctor if there are alternatives in which you will still be able to stretch your muscles and get the benefits of a simple exercise.
Yes, living with a chronic disease can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be taken all too negatively. Think of it as an opportunity. It may sound ridiculous, but yes, having a chronic disease is an opportunity. It allows us to take care of our body more than we normally do. It makes us appreciate each day and makes us see what really matters. Living with a chronic disease is an opportunity for us to love and take care of ourselves more.