Let me preface this article by making very clear that I do not consider a health problem to be something you can completely motivate yourself out of. While getting up and brushing the dirt off can help you get through plenty of life challenges, medical issues are often in a class of their own. Your personal medical problem might be something debilitating that changes your quality of life. If so, I am extremely sorry for that, and the following advice might not help you. But for those who have been knocked down by a medical issue yet still retain some autonomy, these positive lifestyle changes can help. For example you might join a community to feel less alone. I hope you find some help in the words below.
Medical issues can strike without warning or sometimes they can slowly build, culminating to a head and then cause us harm. Of course, a good healthcare plan, a GP you trust and can talk with, and the ability to live a healthy lifestyle to the degree that you can is essential. But sometimes, you need to refine your approach. If possible, due to your condition, be gentle getting back on your feet and only do so with your doctor’s permission. Consider these positive lifestyle changes:
1. Switch Up Cardio
Exercise can be hard when we’re injured or when a medical issue gets us down. This happens because not only does the body have certain sensitivities now, but adding pressure to a healing body can sometimes cause more harm than good.
However, remaining completely sedentary can be a problem too. That’s why many wheelchair-bound individuals suggest exercising to the extent that you can, and why disabled physical health remedies are becoming popular.
Of course, we can’t define your personal health malady. That’s between you, your family, and of course your doctor. But if you can then it could be that switching up your cardio to light, non-intensive yet regular activity could help keep the blood circulating and enjoy the restorative benefits of light exercises, such as dynamic stretches. Other exercises might include:
- A moderate walk up a hill with a slight incline
- A slow cycle on a stationary bike, or even a very slow
- A measured row on an ergonomic machine
Each of the above activities might help you to slowly build up strength where it matters, and gain more energy. The positive effects of a lifestyle change to cardio can be impressive. Simply getting up and out of the house can help your mental health, especially if you’ve had a long lethargic period in recovery.
2. Feel Less Alone: Join a Community
To help you feel less alone, you might join a community that understands your issues. This positive lifestyle change can help you feel less alone than before. While you might have family, friends, and healthcare professionals for great advice and care, it might be hard for them to relate to your current problems.
In this case, some discussion between those who know what you’re going through can be enlightening. Even if it’s to simply joke about parts of a certain problem. Who knows, you might put a smile on someone else’s face and that can be worth its weight in gold when facing a challenge.
But how do you find these people to connect with them? Here are 3 ways:
- Visit an online community like Reddit
- Find a personal forum specifically for people with your medical issue
- Read blogs out there that journal someone’s progress
If you can’t find a resource like these ones then consider creating your own blog. There are many free hosting options out there; just do a Google search to see the options. Writing your daily experiences and emotions through a medium like this can be therapeutic for you. It might even recharge your mind. Plus, you might help a reader or two in their own health journey.
3. Find Essential Reparative Health Solutions
Finding the best, specialized help for your problem, such as ischemic stroke treatment, can not only help your health but also give you hope, ensure regular health checkups, offer positive lifestyle changes that fit you. In the process, you might also meet other people who are going through the same thing.
In reality, there are countless daily lifestyle changes to maintain your mental health and personal clarity. But sometimes getting a treatment process designed for people with your problem can help you have a inclusive, complete, and multi-faceted recovery process.
Final Words on Positive Lifestyle Changes
In conclusion, always be sure that your healthcare provider or doctor pre-approves any lifestyle change. Implementing these tips may give you a new lease of life and help you feel less alone. I hope so and wish you restorative moments ahead.
What a fantastic article!
Thank you, Rebecca!
Great article and something I can relate to after being ill for most of 2019 so far! you’re so right about just trying to do what you can and stay positive!
Wishing you a smooth rest of 2019!
This is fantastic. As someone living with endometriosis, this article got me where I live. Thanks for sharing!
That feedback means a lot to me as connecting with readers is why I do this xx
Meetup groups have been the best thing ever in my life post-divorce and also post-cancer :)
Omg i did it! I was sweeting like crazy but i did it though the whole 😀 it was wroth it! Plz like this comment beacuse i made it the whole way.Another great breakfast meal i made. All you do is mash bannana in a bowl add tons of berries and greek yogurt and plain oatmeal and organic peanut butter sounds wierd but taste amazing and is really good for you
Very positive and encouraging, Christy!
This is such a well-written article, and so supportive. I have several friends that deal with “invisible” illnesses and medical issues every single day. Many of them live with chronic pain! What you’ve written is inspiring to me, and hopefully inspiring to others. Thank you!
This is such amazing and great article….
This is an excellent article. People don’t like to think about illness, sickness or disability but if it doesn’t affect us then it will affect someone you Love.
I had an ocular occlusion in my left eye at age 49 due to high blood pressure. Thankfully the stroke happened at work where help was available. At the time I lived alone and if I had stayed home well I would not be responding to this post now.
Without the help of my coworkers and supervisor I would have died. Both numbers were over 200. It was only the Grace of God that I’m still alive.
Later I did have surgery on my left eye which allows me to see shapes, colors, light and dark but no details.
Many people can’t tell I have vision problems because if you have been seeing for 49 years your Brain compensates for the loss by filling in the picture of what should be there. However I lack depth perception which tells you how far away something is. Going down stairs is slow going because I don’t know how far away the next step is. I’ve also dropped many glasses because I can’t judge the placement. When you get a chance read the Sammy Davis Jr. Autobiography, Yes I can which explains much better than I can. Sandy Duncan and Peter Falk had similar challenges.
I learned to adapt. Next month I will turn 60 and as you age adapting is necessary. Because despite all these wacky womens magazines 50 is not the New 29 nor is 60 the New 30. Right before I retired last Year I received a head/eye injury that put me in the hospital E.R.
In order to cope I being creating Abstract Surrealism paintings. I had been creating Collages but I needed that creative escape to take my mind off what happened.
In putting my focus on my Photography and painting God opened doors for me to be in several art shows from October to December. I’m now working with the Founders of A Creator’s Collection brainstorming and fundraising for 2019. One cannot wallow in loss. My retina specialist told me that I have cataracts. Well actually in my left eye. Why get upset when I don’t see out my left. Like the young lady singer Ciara says, Level Uo!♡
Love the article. Joining a community can honestly do so much for the soul. Having that support is invaluable.
another great article Christy with very useful information. bless you!