Keeping a Strong Mindset Despite Chronic Illness

[jeffasl]

Living with a chronic illness presents unique challenges-- in maintaining a strong mindset necessary for a regular exercise program. But, even moreso is exercise and nutrition vital in improving ones quality of life while living with a chronic illness.

How can one keep a strong positive mindset when it comes to exercise?

Here are some helpful tips:

1) ACCEPTANCE-- accept the fact that you are no longer living with the same body you once had and work with what you have on any given day and encourage that which you have to become its best. The converse is true too-- don't mourn over what you can no longer do or compare what you do now to what you once were when you may not have had the illness. Simply learn to accept and appreciate the new "you" and make that "you" even stronger.

2) BE CREATIVE-- when you see you're not able to perform or exercise one way-- think of other options. For example: instead of running you may now need to cycle. While running you may need to pace yourself differently or challenge yourself in new ways. Listen to your body and adapt cardio and weight resistance training to what your body can do but always respect any doctor's limitations on what you shouldn't do.

3) YOU DEFINE YOURSELF-- don't let the illness define you. You are in control of who you are! Think of yourself in terms of the good qualities you possess and stay away from defining yourself based on physical abilities or inabilities during exercise.

4) FIND SUPPORT-- seek out someone who shares your same illness who likewise shares a strong dedication to their fitness and make a pact to keep each other motivated. Read positive books of others who have excelled despite chronic illnesses and only surround yourself with a positive environment that encourages you to be at your best.

5) START A JOURNAL-- Log daily workout routines and what you discover is working for you during your creative adaptations. The journal will also keep you committed.

6) PAY MORE ATTENTIOIN TO WHAT YOU EAT-- Your mindset can only be as strong as the environment you provide it. What you choose to eat becomes that environment. Eating nutrient-rich foods makes for a strong mindset. Avoiding toxins will also protect your internal environment that you have built up. You already have one big thing against you-- that looming illness-- why add anymore adversity to your body by eating junk?

7) DON'T LOSE HOPE-- Look to the future with HOPE in every aspect of life... hope for a cure... hope for more energy for daily life... HOPE is a positive feeling that looks beyond the boundaries of ones present self. See yourself achieve new goals once thought impossible... because despite your chronic illness there are seemingly impossible feats for you to discover in which you CAN and WILL conquer.


(C) Jeffrey Howe 4/24/08

[rukia]

that true

is our mind who did all the job

better control it or been control

mindset is truly powerful asset but

this piece of advice got me interested

thank

[kyle866]

that true

is our mind who did all the job

better control it or been control

mindset is truly powerful asset but

this piece of advice got me interested

thank

tru

[Darcon_]

You have right.