Teige's Journey

How do I personally manage my day-to-day life?

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ACTIVITY - Activity is scientifically proven to, over time, lessen the pain in people with chronic illness(s) because it releases endorphins, causing a reduction in inflammation, an increase in energy and overall better mood levels. ​I have always been an active person, but it has turned into a crucial task for me both out of choice and medically prescribed. I used to dance consistently from ages 3-14years but unfortunately had to quit due to my illnesses. Pilates 2-4 times a week is now my favourite thing to get my body moving! 

ORGANIZATION - Having an organized life personally has overall improved my day-to-day experiences. The unfortunate reality of chronic illness is that medication is unavoidable, and I myself take various/medications along with the factor of having to go to regular clinic visits, family doctor visits, bi-weekly shots, etc. Being organized helps me stay on top of my medication refills, appointments, scheduled medication, procedures/tests, which would usually pile extra stress onto the present stress from my health. 

SLEEP​ - I know doctors are always on people's backs, telling everyone to get enough sleep or to have a proper sleep schedule, and trust me, I was always annoyed when they kept telling me/asking me about this instead of just "treating me" when I was quite obviously in pain. I now know why doctors kept bugging me to get my sleep schedule on track. Sleep is a HUGE part of a properly functioning body for ANYONE. If you're chronically ill, you know that sleep is a difficult action to predict when we're going to be able to/if we're going to be able to sleep because of how our illness(s) are presenting that day, week, month, etc. I have found that if I strictly adhere to a proper sleep schedule, if possible, and I get a solid 7-10 hours of sleep or even more, my symptoms are majority controlled, less aggressive, and my mood/ attitude is manageable. 

NUTRITION/HYDRATION - Again, I know the doctors always rant/rave about how important it is to eat well and to stay hydrated, but it's completely true! Getting the proper nutrition your body needs and keeping hydrated helps improve your cognitive function, mood, physical activity, and symptomatic pain. I have learned over the years that nutrition is beyond important when dealing with chronic illness and pain management, not just something the doctors say. Adding supplements to help with your nutrition, such as electrolytes, vitamins, and cutting out intolerances, etc. 

REST - Learn to listen to your body. Don't push yourself past your limits or breaking points. This destroys your ability to thrive and pushes you to hurt yourself even more. Rest when you need to, even if you don't need to, REST. 

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