If you live with a chronic illness, these purposeful yet restful self-care activities will let you use your mind without using too much energy.
Having a chronic illness is hard to deal with, but as a person who has always been target-motivated, I find it hard to fully relax. My body can be sapped of energy, aching, and worn, but there’s still a nagging feeling that I should be spending my time purposefully.
We live in a world that thrives on busyness, but taking time to rest and recuperate is vital for anyone with chronic illness. For many people experiencing periods of illness (or flares), withdrawing is a natural reaction. Staying home means you can concentrate on recuperation by resting your body, either through sleep or laying on the sofa.
However, if you find it hard to switch off entirely, these purposeful yet restful activities could be just what you need.
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Puzzles
Keeping your mind active can boost your mood, so brain games are an ideal way to work those grey cells while resting your body. Jigsaw puzzles are my personal favorite, as being able to see the progression gives me a sense of purpose, but crosswords, sudoku, word searches, dot-to-dots, and Rubik’s cubes are fun alternatives. If you find it hard to manipulate pens or small pieces because of joint pain or other symptoms, downloading an app version of your favorite puzzle may help.
ENGINEERED FOR SPEED: Want to achieve record-breaking solving times? The new magnetic Rubik’s Speed Cube turns at an accelerated racing pace under complete control.
ENDLESS FUN: Coach your brain and your hands, endless hours of speed training fun. Designed to be played right out of the box, which means no adjustments are needed. Perfect for speed Cubers – beginner and advanced players alike.
If you are a naturally creative person, exploring new arts and crafts can be a satisfying way to rest. Simple origami can be completed in a matter of minutes and is a mindful activity that can help you relax. If you prefer working with yarn, a crochet blanket is a useful project yielding quick visual progress. Crochet is known for helping the management of joint pain in people with arthritis. Painting, clay work, and mosaics are other fun options, and coloring books can also be a relaxing activity to focus on.
CROCHET KIT FOR BEGINNERS: Our all-inclusive kids crochet kit for beginners, kids and adults contains everything you need to create beautiful, handmade crochet projects. Crochet set includes: 15 skeins of crochet yarn, 21 crochet hooks, 37 bonus crochet accessories.
PAINT WITH DIAMONDS: Life can get pretty stressful at times. Our diamond art for adults will lower stress and anxiety levels by diverting your attention from the every-day pressure of life to a peaceful and calming activity.
There is no shame in snuggling up on the sofa in your Oodie and losing yourself in your favorite show. When you have low energy or acute pain, allowing yourself to rest can be the answer. Laughter may not be the best medicine, but it certainly helps lift your spirits, which means tuning in to a comedy can be an uplifting choice and help raise your mood if you’re feeling low.
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If you find you are always busy and can’t take time to relax, why not schedule a slot in your diary for meditation? Sports watches and apps such as Fitbit and Calm offer meditation sessions that are simple to follow and can encourage you to take time to reset. This purposeful peace allows you the opportunity to focus on regulating your breathing, which is known to control anxiety and reduce stress – both common in people with long-term illnesses – as well as setting aside time to just be.
Many people with chronic illness enjoy the escapism reading brings; it’s possible to travel the world from the comfort of your own armchair through the pages of a book. Whether you enjoy romantic comedies or grisly crime thrillers, autobiographies, or literary classics, there’s nothing quite like losing yourself in the magic conjured up by a good book. With paperbacks, ebooks, and audiobooks readily available, books are accessible to many people with chronic conditions. Many library services now loan digital books too, making it easy and affordable to pick out a new novel, even if you’re not well enough to leave the house.
Wide Compatibility: UGREEN iPad pillow holder for lap can be used for 4.7 to 12.9-inch tablets, cell phones, and e-readers. Compatible for iPad 9.7 inch, iPad 10.2" 2019, iPad Pro 12.9", iPad mini 2 3 4 5 Wi-Fi, iPad Air 2, iPhone 14 13 12 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12 mini and more.
If you are feeling unwell, finding the energy to look after yourself can be a challenge. You might not be eating a varied diet, drinking enough water, or being able to manage your usual personal hygiene routine. Asking for help can make a big difference, whether this is through friends and family bringing freshly-prepared meals or having a partner help you wash your hair or paint your nails. It’s important to remember that on your worst days, you may not be able to manage these tasks with or without support, so be kind to yourself – pushing yourself too far will only delay your healing. Knowing when to stop completely is an act of self-care in itself!
24 OZ CLEAR TRITAN BOTTLE - 700ml/24oz Tritan Bottle is clear with graduated markings, making it easy for the user or caregiver to see how much fluid has been drank.
FLEXIBLE AND ADJUSTABLE - Features a 15 inch / 38 cm extra large flexible modular plastic hose, with large drinking tube, best for individuals with full lung functioning and strong suction. The neck is fully and repeatedly adjustable and will stay in place without springing back.
Scent-Sational: This 12-pack of relaxing and refreshing shower melts features the sublime scents of 2x Lavender, 2x Menthol & Eucalyptus, 2x Vanilla, 2x Watermelon, 2x Grapefruit and 2x Peppermint. Select one and spoil yourself.
- Oprah, Forbes, Today Show, ABC News, Good Morning America, BuzzFeed, NBC & more
$120- $200+ value in every self care package. # or a loved one to some self-care & relaxation
- self care products to lift the mind, body & spirit. Every gift box includes 1 self-care activity + 7 pampering products (i.e., aromatherapy, natural/organic bath, body, skin care stuff, and other lifestyle items!)
SUBSCRIPTION: Each month you will receive 1 pair of randomly selected socks directly to your door. We create new and attention getting designs every month to add to our hundreds of in-house patterns. Definitely a great conversation starter.
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