How to reduce stress when coping with chronic illness

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When coping with chronic illness like Meniere’s disease, there are undeniably so many things that stress me out thremendouly. From experiencing Vertigo’s attacks, wondering when the next attacks will strike, to being not fully able to live my life – both professionally and personally – like I used to, and so on.

But the fact is, if and when I let myself stress over those things then the Vertigo’s attacks will certainly get worse and I’ll usually find myself in a kind of Vertigo-stress-circle that I cannot get out of easily. So, it is vital to know how to reduce stress when coping with chronic illness.

1. Fully accept your chronic illness

I know firsthand that it is so much easier said than done. In fact, I spent years and years denying it, feeling sorry for myself, being angry with myself, asking myself, “Why me and not other people?” and doing the things that did not necessarily contribute to fully accepting my chronic illness. The result: I was extremely stressed out and I was at the edge of full depression.

Thankfully, I had a wake-up call from my ENT doctor and I have been trying ever since to fully accept it to cope with it in the most positive and productive ways possible. This blog was born out of my many attempts to fully accept it.

2. Have the best health insurance

Let me get this straight. As the words suggest, a chronic illness cannot be prevented by vaccines or cured by medication, nor is it going to just disappear over time. So, you will need to have the best health care that you can get for the rest of your life.

Hence, having the best health insurance is crucial to be able to cover the cost of, for instance, a consulting physician or other qualified health providers, hospital treatment, and prescription medication. You’ll always have to cope with the disease and discomforts but at least, you don’t have to stress over the medical costs.

3. Eat fresh, healthy food

Salt, sugar, fast foods, and takeaways are some of the foods that I have been trying to avoid because they contain high levels of fats and carbohydrates with a lack of vital minerals and vitamins, which can induce stress. Salt, in particular, has the capability of triggering tinnitus that usually leads to Vertigo’s attacks.

Fresh fruit and vegetables, on the other hand, can provide a lot of vitamins and minerals that help reduce stress. Fresh vegetables are also packed with a high fiber content that is great for treating constipation.

4. Declutter the whole house

A few days ago, I was looking for some small stuff that I thought I needed urgently, which brought me to my storage room downstairs. I kept on looking and looking until I got pissed off and stopped looking. Later on, I realized that I didn’t even need them at all. Losing so much of my time for absolutely nothing always stressed me out.

So, a few days later, I decided to declutter not only my storage room but also my whole house. And you know what? I can now find all of my stuff – big and small – very easily and I don’t have to be stressed out in finding them.

5. Exercise whenever possible

I would never be awarded “the Sportswoman of the Year” because I am simply not. But, I always make time to exercise, and do some yoga and other physical activities whenever possible. In addition, I have got myself an exercise bike so, I can do some exercises for about 15 – 20 minutes a day. Every single day.

It has been widely known that exercise produces endorphins, chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and also help get a good night’s sleep, which helps reduce stress. Gaya and Grokker are my favorite channels to follow some yoga and pilates on Prime Video.

6. Adopt a pet

My ginger big boy, Sintra is a furry trouble seeker who is usually behaving like a toddler with severe ADHD. But, believe me, I would never trade him for anything because my cat has brought so much joy, love, and companionship into my life every day.

Of course, I read a lot of blogs and other articles related to the health benefits of owning a pet before adopting my cat. It keeps surprising me how he has also brought me the feeling of peacefulness and stress-free. I have been experiencing some severe Vertigo’s attacks for the last couple of months but my cat has always been there for me and helps keep my sanity intact.

7. Get rid of toxic people

We, human beings are social creatures. We simply need other human beings to socialize, build a relationship, and do business with. I cherish, as I have always, my relationships with relatives, friends, lovers, and acquaintances.

However, I have also had a very strict policy when dealing with and getting rid of the so-called toxic people, those who directly and indirectly cause stress and unhappiness in my life. Having less toxic people means less stress in life. Period.

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