Managing your health can be stressful. That’s because when we’re perfectly healthy we have little to worry about. Anything less than that, and we might worry about a health condition getting worse, a symptom becoming more difficult to deal with, or a course of recuperative action becoming prohibitively expensive or limiting us in our daily lives.
Thankfully, with good self-care and undergoing the recommended advice offered to you, generally you can unlock a great quality of life despite many different health conditions.
Even individuals with full deafness, blindness, and other disabilities continually manage to live full and active lives. Those with dignity, self-care, and goals to focus on.
But of course, life is easier when we have less stress to deal with. With that in mind, you may wish to consider some of the following advice:
Consider Medication Delivery Services
Making sure you’ve got your medication, and remembering to take it at the right time can be more stressful than you think. Something so simple, yet so fundamental, can easily become a source of anxiety because we have to do it each and every day, and it’s so important to us.
What if you forget? What if you run out? If you’re not feeling well, do you really want to head out to pick up a prescription? Thankfully, many pharmacies and health services now offer medication delivery services. Signing up for these services can remove one small but constant worry from your mind.
Having your medication delivered straight to your door, often with reminders and automatic refills, can be so calming. You never forget to take it, and you’ll always have it.
Moreover, it’s a service that’s especially useful for those with mobility issues, difficult conditions, or anyone who simply finds it difficult to visit a pharmacy regularly. You’ll thank yourself for preparing this ahead of time.
Join A Support Community
No one should have to face their health challenges alone, it really is as simple as that. It doesn’t matter if you have a physical condition, mental health issues, or a combination of both, having a support network can help you feel like other people understand. That can be massive for many.
But where should you join? Well, that depends where you live. It might be a local group you meet with in person, an online forum, or even a social media group where people in similar situations gather to share advice. If you want to do one now and transition to the other, that’s fine too.
Remember that just because you have a health condition it doesn’t “other” you. Anyone can have what you have, for the most part, or at least something similar. This can also help you avoid feeling like your life is on pause and gives you the confidence to go out and live it.
See What You’re Entitled To
Health challenges can often come with financial strain even if you live in a country with subsidized healthcare – whether due to medical bills, lost work, or the cost of specific treatments and equipment.
Many people are unaware of the financial help, benefits, or programs they may be entitled to and it’s worth researching what’s available. Check local support organizations and sites dedicated to checking your medical eligibility.
For instance, there might be subsidies for necessary medical devices like wheelchairs, assistance for home care, or tax breaks related to your health expenses that might make rent or a mortgage payment just a touch easier to pay for.
Knowing what you’re entitled to can reduce a huge amount of stress, so take the time to check. If you’re otherwise busy, have a trusted individual do so for you. They benefit from seeing you benefit, after all.
Use Mobility Assistants Or Condition-Focused Equipment
A walking stick, a mobility scooter, or even something as small as a grip aid for opening jars can make your day-to-day tasks way easier and there’s no shame in using them, even if you just need them now and again.
Put simply, if you find yourself needing extra help, don’t be afraid to use it. It could help you regain independence, it’s not “letting your condition win” as many proud people seem to think.
The same goes for condition-specific equipment, such as glucose monitors for diabetics or weighted blankets for those with anxiety – the latter is often a lifesaver for many people who find it hard to sleep at night, for example.
If an aid makes living through a day more comfortable and peaceful, it’s done its job.
Understand Your Condition Entirely
One of the worst parts of being diagnosed with a condition is not fully understanding what it is and how it affects you. This can make you feel lost, confused, or scared about what it means for your future or if your experience will get worse.
But one of the most empowering efforts you can go to is to educate yourself as much as possible about your condition. Just be mindful not to ruminate on search engines and forums that make you feel worse, because there’s a great deal of misinformation out there online.
Understanding your condition means you can better advocate for yourself and also know how the condition relates to you. Two people experiencing cancer, for example, might experience it in different ways and to different severities.
But knowing a general outline from an official and trusted service means you’ll know what’s normal and what’s not, what treatment options are available, and how to manage your symptoms.
This knowledge can also reduce anxiety because after all, the devil you know seems manageable, the devil you don’t can be much scarier than it would otherwise be. When you know what’s happening to your body and why it’s happening, it straightens out the experience.
In turn, you feel more in control, which is very important for maintaining your mental and emotional well-being and not feeling confused and unable to make changes.
Meditation, Nature, Relaxation
We all know that health and inner peace is more than just how capable you are. Mental and emotional health can help you live life with joy even during difficult times. It’s why those in their golden years, though not as agile as they used to be, love spending time making the most of each day.
One way to support your mental health is through relaxation techniques like meditation which can have a majorly positive effect, or perhaps spending time in nature, or simply making time to rest.
Meditation doesn’t have to be super complicated either, there are plenty of guided meditations online that can help you get started, and apps like Headspace that make it easier to deal with.
Moreover, spending time in nature, even if it’s just a walk in a nearby park, can do quite a lot for your mental clarity and mood. Having something like that in your life could make a massive difference.
Negotiating Work Demands With Health Needs
Of course, a health condition doesn’t mean you’ll be bedbound or can’t live a normal life. Many people with health conditions work full-time or part-time. Balancing that work with health needs can seem pretty tricky at first, but you might be surprised by what’s out there for you.
For example, if you’re struggling to meet work demands due to your health, it’s wise to talk with your employer about your needs. Many workplaces are becoming more understanding of the need for flexibility, and that could mean working from home, adjusting your hours, or having the option to take breaks when necessary.
It never hurts to ask, or pulling back and working with your doctor to take time when needed can be important. If your condition progresses, your doctor may entitle you to certain support.
With this advice, we hope you can more easily understand and implement tried and tested means of lessening health stress.
