|
Introduction:
The Power of Self-Help
Research has shown
self-help to be a powerful tool for managing chronic illness. Read
about the scientific evidence for self-help and learn what you can
accomplish through it.
1: Combine Acceptance
and a Fighting Spirit
The first key is to
adopt a combination of two attitudes: acceptance that life has
changed with a conviction that it can be made better.
2: Find Your
Limits
Living inside the Energy Envelope
offers an alternative to the cycle of push and crash.
3: Pace
Yourself
Pacing provides a way to gain
control of chronic illness rather than being at the mercy of
symptoms.
4: Nurture Yourself
with Scheduled Rests
Pre-emptive rest is a
simple technique that can help reduce symptoms and make life more
stable.
5: Learn to Predict the
"Unpredictable"
Confused about the ups and
downs of your illness? A few minutes a day of record keeping can
reveal what worsens symptoms and what helps you feel
better.
6: Make Progress
Through Small Changes
When goals seem
impossibly distant, it may help to translate them into a series of
small steps.
7: Manage
Stress
Learn techniques for both stress
reduction and stress prevention.
8: Seek Support and
Understanding
Chronic illness can be
isolating and demoralizing. Use these five strategies to increase
support and stay connected.
9: Honor Your
Emotions
Emotions like fear, anger, grief
and depression are normal reactions to having your life turned
upside down by illness. Strategies like those in this week's article
can help you cope.
10: Find New
Meaning
Chronic illness brings grief for
the loss of the person we used to be. Use these seven strategies to
bring new meaning to your
life.
| 