Self-care matters so I wanted to collate some of my favourite self-care ideas for people with chronic illness. I am such a huge advocate of prioritising self-care, but let’s be honest life gets busy. It can also be really tough for people with chronic illness to remember to prioritise self care. I know I am guilty of this and pushing myself beyond my limits.
Since having a baby, I have struggled with the temptation to neglect self-care in favour of other ‘jobs’. However, I know that my mental and physical health suffer when I do this. When my baby is napping I see it as an opportunity to do everything else that needs done. I’ve had to work really hard to force myself incorporate self-care into my daily routine. I’ve come to realise I can still get things done while not neglecting self-care.
Here are some ways to include self-care in your day, whether you have half a day, half an hour or half a minute; there is something for everyone!
1. Ask for help.
Okay so I’m starting with a big one, and it isn’t always easy to do. I am fortunate I have people around me that I can ask for help. By asking people for help I ensure I don’t burn out. Juggling a chronic illness and being a mum is tough, it is important that I take care of my physical health and don’t push myself to the point of a flare. That means learning to ask for help when I need it. Perhaps the most important form of self-care for people with chronic illness is asking for help.
2. Have a hot drink
How often do we see parents of young kids joking about all the hot drinks they’ve watched go cold? One thing I have learned to do every day is make time for at least one hot drink. When J is having a nap, before I do any of the other ‘jobs’ that need doing I make a hot drink. I then find a comfy seat and spent just 10 minutes resting and enjoying the ‘nothing’. Savouring the warmth of a hot drink and how soothing it can be to just nurse a cup of tea while doing absolutely nothing else.
3. Have a bath or shower
Now I understand these are things many take for granted, but when you’re chronically ill or a parent these things are sacred. On occasion when my joints have been screaming with pain and I’ve hit the wall of exhaustion, I leave J with Dave and run a hot bath. I spend a minimum of half an hour just letting the heat of a bath sooth my joints and switch off with a trashy mag.
4. Read a book
Read a book, even if it’s just a couple of pages at a time. Find a podcast you love. Switch off and escape to another world for a while.
5. Listen to music
Listen to your favourite song or music that makes you feel whatever you need to feel.
6. Take time out from social media.
I am absolutely addicted to my phone and sometimes self-care for me means putting it down and not checking social media for an hour. Don’t get me wrong, social media has been an amazing tool for my blog and in terms of finding support in the chronic illness community, but sometimes it’s good to switch off.
7. Sit outside
If you are able to maybe go for a walk, but simply getting some fresh air can be amazing. Living with a chronic illness can often mean you are stuck in doors for long periods, I have learned never to underestimate the power of fresh air in boosting my mood. In the summer months I’ll make sure to take that hot drink outside to enjoy!
8. Spend a few minutes repeating positive affirmations to yourself
Tell yourself you are enough. Tell yourself you matter. Remind yourself you are more than your illness. Focus on your strength, the things you overcome on a daily basis, and give yourself the credit you deserve for being a warrior!
9. Give yourself permission to do nothing
Often people with chronic illness are forced to do nothing because our health limits us; particularly during a flare. What if we gave ourselves permission to do nothing. Would it change how we view this time? Sometimes self-care with a chronic illness is letting go of the guilt we often feel when we are unable to do things.
10. Get a haircut
This isnt always easy with chronic illness, but you don’t need to go to a salon! Find a hairdresser who can come to your home and work with you to make the experience comfortable and enjoyable.
11. Have a relaxing treat
Book yourself a treatment such as a massage, facial, pedicure. Anything that relaxes you and is a treat! Or do your own at home treatment with a facemask.
12. Find your favourite YouTuber
Find a Youtuber you love and spend some time watching their videos. Click here for my channel which I’ll be starting to post regular videos on.
13. Find a new series
Find a new series and binge watch it without feeling guilty.
14. Get an early night
It won’t help chronic fatigue of course, but rest is still good.
15. Take your medication
Treat yourself to a pretty pill box online like this one from Amazon and get organised. A big part of my self-care with chronic illness is keeping a good routine with my medications and treatments.
The link below is an affiliate link. This simply means that an item purchased via the link will generate a few pennies of income towards the upkeep of the blog, while costing you nothing extra.
16. Limit your time with people who bring you down
Limit your time with people who bring you down (to zero ideally, but this isn’t always possible). If someone cause you stress or consistently drains you, you don’t have to tolerate it. You can choose to walk away or limit your time with them. Related to this; set boundaries and keep them. It is okay to say no and prioritise your health. See my article about learning to say no with a chronic illness here.
17. Rest
Allow yourself to rest without feeling guilty.
18. Have a movie night
If you can’t gert out and about, but feel able to have company, then invite a friend over for a movie night.
19. Indulge your senses
Find a range of candles, melts or oils you love! Don’t save them for a special occasion – being alive is a special occasion. My favourite thing to do at the moment is turn on my fake fireplace, burn some peat scented wax melts from Hebridean Candles and light some candles. It is so cosy and I can almost imagine I am nestled in a cottage in the highlands.
20. Write down three things you like about yourself
Grab a pen and paper (or your phone) and write down three things you like about yourself. Remind yourself of them daily and add to the list if you can!
21. Focus on one part of your body you like and take care of it
When you are chronically ill it can be easy to dislike your body, feel it has failed you or is useless. Focus on one part of your body you like and take care of it. My therapist recentlt discussed this with me and said even if it was just my middle finger, because it could express that I was angry with the world – then I should take care of that middle finger and rub some moisturiser on it. It resonated with me and I like the approach.
22. Have a laugh
Find something that makes you belly laugh and embrace it! There is a clip in the film ‘Vacation’ that makes me cry laughing every time I see it. Sometimes if I’m feeling down, I put it on just to belly laugh!
23. Get inspired
Read some inspiring or motivational quotes.
24. Reflect and be proud
Spend five minutes thinking about something you have achieved today, no matter how small. Be proud of yourself!
25. Phone a friend
Book in a catch up and enjoy socialising from the comfort of your own home. Phone catch ups are the best, you can wear your pyjamas and stay in bed for them if you want to!
26. Remove negativity
Edit your news feeds and social media to remove any negative sources. Clear out your friends list, unfollow if you don’t want to unfriend, sort through your groups and make your social media a positive place for you to be!
27. Cook a meal you love or learn to cook something new.
Cook a meal you love or learn to cook something new.
28. Have a cuddle with your pet
Have a cuddle with your pet.
29. Have a clear out
Have a clear out or do a job you’ve been putting off. You may find you relax more without it hanging over you.
30. Be kind to yourself
Be kind to yourself, pace yourself and treat yourself as you would a friend. Do this all day, every day!
Having a chronic illness is hard, self-care matters. What are some of your favourite ways to practice self-care? Leave a comment below.
