Millions of people in the UK are experiencing long Covid distress. Much of the media coverage of this has been bleak and upsetting. That is understandable. Chronic illness is bleak and upsetting, particularly in the early stages of falling sick. But there is something else that no one tells you: it can be hopeful and happy too. Some have fallen ill with postviral fatigue from the flu a few years ago and what they craved above anything was advice and reassurance. They will not claim they are sorted. Some tips on living well are listed down below;
Ways to live well with long Covid and chronic illness
No diet will heal you – ignore any social media wellness advert that tells you otherwise. But it is useful to check for deficiencies. Get an iron test. Take a vitamin D supplement in winter. And eat a Twirl. For medicinal purposes.
Try making a list of 3 wins a day, from getting out of bed to washing your hair. It is not about lowering your expectations but crediting yourself for achievements. You are doing brilliantly even if you don’t feel like it. One of the strangest things about chronic illness is that things that previously warranted no attention can be strenuous tasks.
Friends and family can be a great support, but it is often helpful to find people who really understand you. Try chronic illness Instagram accounts such as chronicillnesshumor, laraeparker, youlookokaytome and notyourgrandmasuk.
Ups and Down. Every day is different with chronic illness and that is really difficult. Do not be disheartened. Yes, a fluctuating condition means you can go from feeling OK to a flare-up, but it also means you can feel better again. Don’t overdo it on the good days or chastise yourself on the bad ones. Chronic illness is not a race, it is natural to go off course.
Don’t push it. It is human to try to “push through” illness or to think exercise always makes us better but if you are chronically ill it often causes more harm than good. Listen to your body. Rest is work, too.
Coping with the bad days. Forced positivity might be toxic. Let yourself miss things. Have a cry. Talk to yourself. Allowing yourself a feeling will let it pass soon enough. Try to detect what helps you during these spells and keep those things in your armoury, be it meditation or rewatching Friends. You are dealing with more in a day than many have to in a month, so give yourself a break.
Feel Yourself. Chronic illness can be a hammer blow to your sense of identity. You will feel consumed by the race to get back to how you were, but the real quest is to get back to who you were. Put on your red lipstick while wearing your pyjamas. Sing to your favourite album from your bed. You are still you, even if you are more tired.
