1. View recovery as a process.
2. Rather than look for the one "magic bullet" that
will cure you, see every action as a step on the road to improved
health.
3. Don't expect to see overnight changes; slow progress isstill...progress.
Try to let go of fear.
4. Uncertainty about the future causes a great amount of fear and anxiety.
The best way to cope with this is to focus on the moment as best you
can
and take it one day at a time.
5. Avoid contemplating the "what ifs."
6. Avoid negative people and things.
7. Try to focus your energies on what enhances your sense of
well-being, and let go of what damages it.
8. Listen to your body. Learn how to carefully observe your body's signals
and adjust your energy expenditure accordingly. Even as your
condition
improves it's essential to pace yourself, balancing activity with
rest. Know
that overdoing will have consequences--sometimes occasionally making
the
choice to overdo is necessary and worthwhile, but we can try to plan
for this by
allowing more downtime afterward
9. Accept your limitations. We live in a society that emphasizes what we
do
rather than who we are. You may not be able to do the same job you did
before or
exercise as long or as hard. Look for new ways to respond to what
your body
needs at every stage.
10. Cultivate supportive relationships.
Spending time with people you care about is good for the body and the
soul.
People who are supportive of you can provide love,encouragement, and
help.
Reaching out to others is essential to combat the loneliness and
isolation that is inherent with a debilitating illness. Don't waste
energy
on those who can't or won't try to understand and accommodate your
illness;
focus on those who do.
11. Think positively, not unrealistically. Many people with chronic illness
learn to enjoy and
appreciate things they never did before. Try to focus on what you
have,
rather than what you've lost, on what you can do rather than on what
you can
no longer do. This is not to say you should adopt a "Pollyanna"
attitude.
Acknowledging feelings of loss and sadness are equally important.
12. Recognize and express your feelings, but try not to dwell on them.
13. Relax! some type of relaxation is essential to achieving and
maintaining
better health. Some practice meditation, deep breathing, or other
types
of relaxation exercises. Cultivating a peaceful environment is
alsoimportant.
14. Be patient and compassionate with yourself. We are sometimes our own
worst enemy. The pressure we put on ourselves, the guilt we feel
about our
limitations, and the judgment and self-criticism that occupies our
minds
all serve to increase stress and detract from our inner healing
powers.
15. Strive to nurture yourself, look for simple pleasures, and forgive
your shortcomings. Believe
that recovery is possible with time, and know that you're doing the
best you can.