Auto-immune disease not enough is discussed about this topic, and unfortunately, there seems to be a bit of a dark cloud looming over those who deal with it. While many are free to go outside and play, have a family picnic, or enjoy their daily lives with few worries, for those with an autoimmune disease every day is a struggle to stay healthy and live to the fullest while enjoying the many things that could cause them to get sick and possibly kill them. Autoimmune diseases are relatively rare, and unfortunately, there isn’t a ton of information out there on most of them. Their lives consist of many doctor’s visits and often an extensive list of medication to help them manage it. One can see why it would be so easy to fall into a slump or long periods of depression. Some steps can be taken and methods that will allow a sufferer of an autoimmune disorder to not only manage their life but how to keep up with their health. It’s easy to become discouraged when you constantly have to watch what you do, what you eat, how much rest you’re getting and so much more. It’s these types of diseases that sometimes leave people feeling like they’re a burden to their family and that makes the depression a bit worse. The important thing is to take care of yourself and learn how to manage the disease healthily and proactively instead of allowing it to get the better of you. So below are a few tips that we compiled to help those who do suffer from an autoimmune disease to cope and live a healthier and proactive lifestyle.
- Walking – It doesn’t require a specific destination, and can be indoors or outdoors. Twenty minutes a day whether it be a quiet stroll down the block a time or two or at your favorite museum has been proven to help not just boost you back into a positive mood but deal with the pain and stiffness that some often get.
- Rest – Set about an hour a day aside to just rest your body. While it may feel better for some to nap and that’s fine, you don’t have to. By just sitting on the couch and relaxing with a favorite book and your feet up can do a world of good.
- Manage Stress – Whether you have an autoimmune disease or not, stress isn’t good for anybody. By learning how to manage your stress levels, you’ll feel a lot better and less likely to live in a state of depression.
- Have a support system – When times are hard, and we feel low, or just aren’t feeling well a support system can make a world of difference. Have a group of friends or family, maybe both that can help you when you need it and make sure that you’re staying on track without being pushy.
