Life with Chronic Pain and Illness: Learning How to Survive the Flare-Up Days

Life with Chronic Pain and Illness

Life with chronic pain and illness is challenging. It’s even worse on the flare-up days. On those days, here are a few Do’s and Don’t’s to keep  in mind:

• DO NOT put yourself down or feel guilty or ashamed. Your pain and illness are not your fault.
• DO give yourself grace and be kind to yourself.
• DO NOT try to push through it! This is a practice that never ends well.
• DO rest when and as often as needed … and DON’T feel guilty about it! You’re not being lazy. Rest is healing, which is productive. It’s okay to say, “No.”
• DO NOT bottle up your frustration, fears, etc. This practice is unhealthy.
• DO cry, yell, or vent in whatever way works for you. It’s okay to feel what you feel.
• DO NOT try to appear strong when you’re not.
• DO ask for help or use whatever tools you have (heat, ice, mobility device, medication, etc.).

Is there anything you’d add to this list? Feel free to share it in the comments.

I hope you have a low-pain day.

If you’d like to read more Life with Chronic Pain and Illness posts, click here.