Chronic disease can turn your life upside down when you least expect it. There are days when you feel like you can take on any task and be the best at it. When the pain is on, though, your vigor can go out of the window, and all you’ll be able to do is try to walk or breathe properly.
Many individuals face this problem on a regular basis, even the ones who have a career to take care of or build. It is difficult, no doubt, but you need to continue working for a living despite having a chronic disease and mental health problem. Here are some ways to work without stress with such a disease.
Open Up About Your Condition
Your goal as soon as you learn about chronic pain is to inform your bosses and colleagues regarding the issue. It won’t be smart to keep on doing your job without telling them that you may become very ill anytime. That can cause challenges, including others assuming you’re slacking off. According to Emily Whitish, LMHC “Willingness is about opening up to and embracing your experience, whether it’s pleasant or unpleasant, and taking action on something important and meaningful.”
In case you don’t wish to tell your workmates about it in fear of receiving their pity, well, you don’t have a different choice right now. Although some honestly do that, others will merely admire your resilience and strength. The wisest thing to do, therefore, is to just focus on the positive side of opening up to everyone at the office. In addition to that and according to Kellie Collins, MS, LPC, “Navigating chronic illness along with mental health symptoms can be difficult, but you don’t have to go it alone. I can help you utilize tools to successfully manage these conditions and have the best quality of life for you and for your family.” (She is a licensed therapist.)
Take Breaks Whenever Necessary
The breaktime for people who have a lingering disease to deal with may not be the same as with the rest of the group. In a standard scenario, the company only allows interruption thrice for mid-morning, lunch, and mid-afternoon. But because the illness can attack anytime, you should be able to take a break whenever you need to do so. Again, it has much to do with the scope of your bosses’ knowledge about your chronic pain.
Lower Your Stress Level
Physical and mental tension often make a health condition worse than it should be. That typically happens once your work starts piling up until you’re already drowning in them.
In truth, no one has to feel always stressed out. Even the ill folks who are in a hectic workplace, e.g., restaurant or call center, can complete their tasks without pressure. The key is never to take on more projects than you can handle.
Considering you’re not the only employee with the same position in the office, let your boss delegate some of your tasks to others. Arrange with them as well – if possible – so that it’ll be OK to leave your post immediately when the pain strikes.
“Research suggests that daily meditation may alter the brain’s neural pathways, making you more resilient to stress,” says psychologist Robbie Maller Hartman, PhD, a wellness coach.
Follow The Doctor’s Orders
Last but not the least, don’t go against your physician’s recommendations. Assuming he or she said that you have to move every 30 minutes or so, do it. In case the health professional asked you not to lift anything substantial to avoid losing your grip strength, follow his or her advice.
Quite often, it’s difficult to work without stress whenever you insist on doing what’s bad for you. The fact that you are aware of the extent of your chronic disease, however, means that you get regular checkups. It further equates to you wanting to treat the matter, so try not to disobey your doctor at all cost.