Tag: writing

Write Down Your Goals for 2025 – Irene Roth

by irenesroth

Many chronically ill individuals feel so exhausted and in pain all the time that they have a hard time setting goals and committing to them. It can be hard for us to do things that will improve our lives, even if it is by a bit because our energy levels are so low.

Instead, it is quite habitual for us to feel dejected and less than we ever were.  However, this need not be the case, as we discussed in last week’s blog. We can work at changing our mindset so that it is much more positive and encouraging.

Whether we’re chronically or not, this should affect who we are on the inside. We’re still the same person we were before the onset of our chronic illness. We have the same values and beliefs. And we can still enjoy similar things, such as a warm bed, cozy chair to sit in, and our books and journals. We can crate quiet corners for ourselves where we can just sit and be with a warm cup of tea.   

Therefore, our mindset truly matters in our lives. We can cultivate a positive attitude in our lives. We can set one or two small, realistic goals n our lives and we can take steps to achieve these goals. 

So, what would you like to accomplish this year? A new year gives us a blank sleight, a hopeful new beginning to do things differently. It may be as simple as sitting down and deciding what’s missing in your life now. Maybe you’d like to socialize more or take a few day trips over the course of the year. Or you may want to start a new hobby. Or, maybe you’d like to start a blog. Or write a book.

Whatever it is, make sure that you write down your goal in your planner. Then break up the goal into small, achievable steps. Make sure it’s something you can complete in 10 or 15 minutes. That way, you’ll be sure to be able to do it even on those hardest days.

For example, say you want to bet more active. Maybe you’d like to walk for 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Just be sure to write it down. Then once you write it down, be sure to write it into your schedule. To do that, you must decide on the time you’d like to work on one part of your goal.

If there are days you can’t walk because you’re sore or tired, give yourself some grace and start again the next day. Don’t beat yourself up. Just keep progressing slowly.

By taking these steps, you’ll feel more in control of your life, despite living with a chronic illness.

Try it!

Strategies for Pacing With Chronic Illness by Irene Roth

by irenesroth

If you live with chronic pian or fatigue, you know the importance of pacing. Yet, it’s so hard to bring about in our daily lives. It’s easier to carry on until we’re exhausted because that’s what we’re used to. If we appropriate this kind of mentality, we will be constantly overdoing it.  We may feel like we’re stuck in a vortex of our own making, which is making us sicker and feeling less resilient by the day. This cycle can be frustrating and it can also grate on our self-esteem.

Before we go into a tirade of self-criticism, let’s realize that learning how to pace ourselves is a skill that’s hard to learn. It’s a continual work-in-progress. In other words, don’t beat yourself up if you don’t live up to your pre-established pacing strategies once in a while. Just don’t give up. Set small goals and keep on going.

Here are three more ways to pace yourself.

*1. Delegate

If possible, allow others to help you. Let your kids or spouse help out, even if they don’t wash dishes or fold clothes like you do. Remember, you don’t have to do everything yourself. Asking for help can free up your time and conserve energy.  

*2. Don’t overdo it

It’s okay if you don’t get everything done every day that you want. This one is difficult for me. Once I start cleaning my home, I want to get everything done on one floor. Then I’m exhausted, sore and stressed out.

We all need to divide up our tasks into a few sessions, with breaks in between. Telling that we have to get everything done in one day frazzles us because we’ll put way too much pressure on ourselves. Maybe we should accept that we won’t get everything done. Remember, you’re not a failure if you don’t get everything done on your to-do list. This is where flexibility comes in. There’s always tomorrow.

*3. Take breaks

Self-care isn’t selfish but vital for our health and well-being. Taking breaks is part of self-care. This can help your physical and mental health.

Part of pacing is building in regular rest breaks, be it ten minutes every few hours or ever hour. It’s completely up to you. Pace yourself according to your needs. Be extra kind to yourself on hard days by taking extra time off.  

You can do many different things on your break: crochet, journal, lie down, color, take a nap, cuddle with your pet, and much more. You can choose what puts a smile on your face.

Pacing breaks can give you mental clarity, clam, physical rest, inspiration, or even motivation. They may be relaxing breaks, productive breaks, or enjoyable ones. You get to choose.

By pacing yourself, you can live a much more resilient and confident life because you’ll know that you’re managing your life in a way that won’t make you feel more pain and fatigue.

So, take a break regularly. Breathe, relax, and then carry on. You deserve it.