Getting Social: Ways to Improve Your Life and Your Health

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with your autoimmune disease for years, there’s always room for modifications that can benefit your health and well-being along the way. One observation, however, feels all too familiar every now and then – the feeling of wanting more or better out of life. That’s a great thing, so if you’re wondering how to do that, then you might just find some helpful tips here.

Believe it or not, your autoimmune disease may be a blessing in disguise. At least that’s how I looked at mine. Being diagnosed with both Lupus and Hashimoto’s Disease inspired me to rethink all my habits, including my lifestyle and my diet. Each little modification I made helped me find what worked for me, and I hope you’ll consider examining your current lifestyle as a way of taking up a new approach in your quest for better health.

Look, Don’t Leap

Before you begin making changes, you need to take stock of where you are. What types of activities have you cut back on? What caused you to stop doing those things? Do you miss any of them enough to make changes in order to get back in the swing of things? Your energy level can be affected by your disease as fatigue is one of the most common symptoms, but maybe your lifestyle is a contributing factor. Are you getting the best sleep possible? You may need to put away your smartphone, turn off the television, and develop a ritual that sets you up for a good night’s sleep. And what about your diet? Certain foods can make you sluggish, irritable, or physically ill, so take stock of your current habits. Each of these factors plays a role in your overall journey, so take a look at each area, write down what you learn, and then decide what you want to change in order to get more out of life.

Rethink Your Lifestyle and Chart a New Course

To get the most out of your short time on this earth, you need to reprioritize your goals. This applies to everyone, not just those of us with an autoimmune disease. If you’ve stopped playing sports that you’ve always loved, ask yourself why. What activities bring you joy? What can you modify to make sure you have time for those things? Insufficient sleep is one key factor that may be causing you to limit your options. If adding a nap into your daily routine will help you recharge, so you can go for that evening walk, then make that happen. And if you’ve changed your diet and don’t seem to have the energy to play that game of tennis like you used to do, it’s time to add more complex carbohydrates to your meals to get the fuel you need. Just don’t limit yourself in areas that fulfill you. You may have an autoimmune disease, but it does not define who you are. Simply refocus and learn to adapt and adjust while listening to your body’s individual needs, and life will begin to look brighter.

Find and Follow Autoimmune Disease Bloggers

Sometimes, you need to interact with people from a distance…and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. It can be difficult to stay upbeat all the time, and it’s helpful to know what others are going through. Just like joining an online Facebook group, following dedicated bloggers who share your disease can be amazingly helpful. Do some exploring online, and you’ll probably find plenty of bloggers who write empowering posts and inspiring articles about all aspects of life with an AI disease. For example, I recently found a compilation of the “Best Lupus Blogs” of 2017 with links to specific writers. Try searching for something similar, and you’re bound to load up your Bloglovin’ queue with plenty of reading material each week.

Find a Support Group that Fits Your Needs

Before social media opened up the world so we could communicate with others online, there were traditional support groups. They still exist today, and you may want to get in touch with one in your community to find out what others who share your disease do to make their life rich and meaningful. These are often created at the community level by people who want to connect with others on a regular basis. The National Coalition of Autoimmune Patient Groups offers a comprehensive list of organizations that cater to specific groups. For instance, if you’re dealing with Lupus, like I am, check out The Lupus Foundation of America. You can sign up to participate in a Lupus fundraising walk or volunteer to help in community outreach. One of the added benefits of being involved with an organization of this kind is the chance to talk about your experience with others who are also interested in making a difference in the lives of others. Working with others is also a great way to build friendships centered on what matters most to you.

Use Your Voice to Make a Difference

Not everyone feels comfortable sharing their story with others, but if you like to write, paint, sculpt, sing, or express yourself through some other creative medium, you can bring awareness to your disease by sharing your experience with others. Many autoimmune disease foundations welcome these types of creative endeavors, and you never know who you may help by simply telling your story. If you like to write, try starting a blog and chronicling your journey. Good with a video camera? YouTube is filled with stories of triumph and perseverance. Is a paintbrush more your style? Check out your local artist community and see if you can exhibit your work at a local event to raise awareness. When it comes to creative storytelling, the only limit is your imagination. Don’t be surprised if you make friends along the way, either.

Concept Summary and Key Takeaways

• Where you are now is not where you have to stay. Try to see the silver lining in your diagnosis and work to improve your life in meaningful ways.
• Examine your current habits – your sleep patterns, exercise habits, and lifestyle choices – to see where you can modify them to accommodate your desire to be more active and engaged with the world.
• Accept your diagnosis but don’t let it define you. The journey is a personal one, and you make the rules and plot the course.
• Learn from the experience of others. Bloggers and YouTubers abound, and you’re likely to find amazing inspiration and guidance from others who share your disease. Even the act of reading what someone else has gone through can help reduce your fear and anxiety levels.
• Join a support group, virtual or in person, and participate in regular events. You’re absolutely not alone here.
• Consider sharing your story. Self-expression comes in many forms, and sharing what you’re going through, either with friends or complete strangers, is an incredible source of strength. Remember, you never know who you’ll help just by being honest about what you feel and face.