Don’t let chronic disease or disability impact your overall quality of life; take joy in the simple things that bring you pleasure. Reach out for assistance with accessibility issues, which can improve autonomy and simply make your everyday living easier and utilize some other tips that will help you live your very-best life.
Is something holding you back from living your best life? If you struggle with a chronic illness or physical disability, perhaps access is the issue. Know that there are solutions that can preserve autonomy and protect the lifestyle that you want to live, including mobility aids. There are other simple solutions that may improve everyday living and make it a lot easier on you, too.
What are you waiting for? Decide to live your best life despite chronic illness with these tips:
Prioritize a good night’s sleep. Make rest a priority in your life. Sleep is recuperative, particularly if you have a chronic illness or compromised immune system. Study up on sleep hygiene and create a restful sanctuary for getting your best night’s sleep. Some tips to prevent sleep disturbances include the following advice:
- Watch your caffeine intake during the day.
- Install white noise to drown out distractions, like a fan or sound machine.
- Avoid food a couple hours before bed which will prevent digestion issues when you are trying to sleep.
- Limit naps during the day.
- Only use your bedroom for sleep, if possible. Don’t let it become a mecca for productivity or place where others feel welcome when you want it to be a serene sanctuary for sleep.
- Keep your bedroom tidy and uncluttered can help avoid nagging thoughts as you rest.
Use these tips and put effort into creating a bedroom that is relaxing and calm, rather than a catchall for clutter or place where you work.
Use available resources. Don’t be afraid to accept a little bit of help with everyday tasks. Consider mobility aids for accessibility and autonomy. Sometimes simple implements, like a cane or grab bar, can prevent a nasty, debilitating fall around the house.
Communicate honestly. Don’t waste time being passive-aggressive or beating around the bush: communicate honestly and openly with those around you. Tell others what you want and don’t be afraid to ask for what you need. It is as simple as that!
Take care of yourself. Self-care is key when living with a chronic illness or disability. Don’t overdo and risk complications; take your time and know your limits, both physically and emotionally.
Be open-minded. Try to be open to new schools of thought and other opinions, when it comes to your own life as well as other issues. Demonstrate your perspective in lively discussion or debate, but don’t let it make you angry, bitter, or blue.
Live mindfully. Do you live mindfully? Try to live in the present, not dwelling on the aspects that brought you here nor speculating on what might come tomorrow or the next day. When you ruminate about the past or future, you are not fully-experiencing the present. Live your life to its fullest by living mindfully.
Share what you have. Think about it: you really are lucky in so many ways. Go ahead and share your gifts with others whenever possible and try to be of service to others. It really makes a big difference in the overall quality of life and your sense of purpose.
Fuel your body right. Spend a little bit more to put quality fuel in your body. Buy organic foods that are devoid of nasty pesticides and look for whole foods from farmer’s markets and roadside stands during warmer weather. Treat yourself to cooked meals, if you are able, instead of processed or fast foods.
Spend time with animals. It has been proven time and time again that spending time with companion animals can be therapeutic. Make a point to interact with animals, pet a cat, play with a puppy, or observe an aquarium, as often as possible. Talk to care providers whether you may be eligible for an emotional support or service pet.
Enjoy simple pleasures. Indulge and enjoy life’s simple pleasures, like a cold drink or a long afternoon nap. Buy yourself flowers or spend the afternoon reading a good book. Treat yourself to moments that may have a recuperative effect on your health
Keep an eye out for joy. Look for the joy in simple, even mundane elements of everyday life. Try to be optimistic and consider there are many worse off than you; the power of positive thinking is a very real phenomenon. Nobody will find joy for you so seek it out every chance you get.
Talk to supports and caregivers for assistance in implementing these suggestions that can help you live a better life and visit retailers that can provide products and tools that make you more independent and autonomous.
Let us help. For mobility aids and solutions, visit Pacific Mobility; we look forward to providing you with suggestions and devices that will improve your quality of life.
President, Husband, Father, Grandfather Graduate of UC Davis- Bio Sci Major- Go Aggies! Jeff has extensive experience in all of Pacific Mobility’s products and services, and specializes in accessibility products as well as stairlifts, ceiling lifts and custom wheel chairs. His hobbies include spending time with family, gardening, mountain biking, exercising and off road motorcycle riding.
24 years as Owner/President of Pacific Mobility Center – selling, installing, and servicing stairlifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts, pool lifts, handicap ramping, specialty wheelchairs, scooters, power wheel chairs, and other power mobility devices
Certified Environmental Access Consultant since 2008
Licensed General Contractor since 1998
Certified Aging in Place Specialist since 2016
Board Member for Home Access Professionals
Member of Association of Members of the Accessibility Equipment Industry (AEMA)
