Just Live Forward

With Grace and Grit - Life with Chronic Illness

Two Unconventional Ways to Fall Asleep Faster

Leave a Comment

close-up of tan and white dog peacefully sleeping on a bed

There are lots of techniques you can try if you want to fall asleep faster. But when the conventional approaches aren’t working, it’s time to give these two unconventional methods a try.

Sleep. A solid night’s sleep. Don’t I wish! Insomnia is an equal-opportunity condition. A quick Google search produces about 71 million results. And while it’s estimated that it effects 30% of the population, knowing that you’re not alone doesn’t make it any easier when you’ve looked at the clock at 1:20 am, 2:40 am and 3:45 am (you get the picture).

Keep Reading

Easy Ways to Boost Your Mental Wellness

Leave a Comment

colorful hot air balloons rising on a sunny day

It’s hard to feel productive when you’re too tired to do anything. So when your body demands a break, take the opportunity to boost your mental wellness.

Have you ever felt like your brain wanted to do something but your body wouldn’t cooperate? I have. So. Many. Times. Like many other types of chronic illness, my autoimmune disease is unpredictable. It seems like it’s unpredictability is the only predictable thing about it.

Keep Reading

Reasons Why You Need a Support Group

2 Comments

group of paper chain people

Joining a support group can help you feel understood and give you a sense of belonging. It’s another strategy for living well when you are chronically ill.

How did you feel when you received your diagnosis? Alone? Confused? Afraid? I know I did. There is almost nothing more emotionally isolating than facing a disease that you have very little (if any) control over. This is true whether it’s a chronic illness that can be managed, or an acute illness that is severe and threatens your life.

Keep Reading

Practical Tips for Managing COVID-19 Anxiety

Leave a Comment

anxious dog hiding under bed

Is a six foot distance enough? Does wearing a mask make a difference? Do I need to sanitize my groceries? Who knows! What I do know is that there are ways of managing COVID-19 anxiety.

I admit it. I’ve spent hours nervously curled up on my sofa worrying about a virus I may (or may not) ever get. And I only have so much control over that – unless I live alone, leave only when necessary and take every precaution short of donning a hazmat suit. Note to self: the hand sanitizer must have a minimum alcohol content of 60%, of course.

Keep Reading

Why Gratitude is the Gift of Chronic Illness

Leave a Comment

heart shaped growing from knotted rope

We never think of long-term disease as a gift. But gratitude is the gift of chronic illness.

I intended to write about the anxiety of being among the “highly vulnerable” during a pandemic. But the truth is that I spent most of the morning writing a COVID-19 article for work – addressing how employers can plan for the challenges of a gradual return business as usual. Frankly, I’m drained. I’ve spent way too much emotional currency today thinking and worrying about this damn virus.

Keep Reading

Two Simple Strategies for Self-Care

Leave a Comment

white ceramic cup on saucer

There are two simple strategies for self-care that you can use to reduce anxiety and improve your well-being.

Take care of yourself.  How many times have you heard this expression? If you’re chronically ill, I’ll wager that you’ve heard it a lot.  But what does it really mean?  How do you define self-care?

Keep Reading