Living with chronic illness means that our bodies and minds often need more rest than others might realize. But rest isn't just about sleep—there are many different types of rest, each playing a crucial role in our overall well-being. As someone navigating life with chronic illness, I’ve discovered just how important it is to understand and incorporate these different forms of rest into our daily routines.

As someone living with a chronic illness, you know that the summer heat can make managing your condition even more challenging. Staying hydrated is crucial, but did you know that maintaining your electrolyte balance is just as important? Electrolytes play a key role in keeping our bodies functioning smoothly, especially when dealing with conditions like dysautonomia, lupus, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), or chronic fatigue syndrome. Let's explore why electrolytes are vital, recognize signs of imbalance, and discover some delicious, electrolyte-rich meals and snacks to keep you feeling your best all summer long.

Living with a chronic, complex, or invisible illness is a challenging and often isolating experience. As friends and loved ones, your words have the power to offer comfort, support, and understanding. Here are ten things your chronically ill friend needs to hear—messages that can help bridge the gap between their struggles and your desire to support.

One side effect that many of us spoonies must be particularly vigilant about is photosensitivity. Photosensitivity, or sun sensitivity, can make our skin react abnormally to sunlight, leading to severe sunburns, rashes, blisters, and even pigmentation changes. For those of us with chronic conditions or on certain medications, this heightened sensitivity can significantly impact our daily lives. It’s not just about avoiding direct sunlight; it's about understanding all the ways UV rays can reach us, even in seemingly safe environments. But did you know that UV exposure can happen in some unexpected places and times? From driving in a car to sitting by a window indoors, there are numerous scenarios where we might inadvertently get more sun exposure than we realize. These surprising hotspots can catch us off guard and aggravate our symptoms, making it crucial to be aware and take proactive steps to protect our skin.

Summer is officially here and temperatures are on the rise! Living with a chronic illness can make the already challenging summer heat even more difficult to endure, and managing heat sensitivity during a heat wave is crucial. Our bodies often have a heightened sensitivity to sun and heat, symptoms can be exacerbated, and the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke can be higher. Recognizing these challenges and taking proactive steps is vital for managing them. You’re not alone in this struggle, and there are many resources and strategies to help. With the summer months upon us, here are some practical tips and recommended products to help you stay cool and safe.

A dynamic disability might not be a term you hear often, but it perfectly captures the essence of living with a condition that fluctuates often. Unlike static disabilities, which have a consistent impact, dynamic disabilities ebb and flow, bringing periods of stability and times of significant struggle. For example, multiple sclerosis can cause symptoms that range from mild fatigue to severe mobility issues. Lupus might have flare-ups causing joint pain, skin rashes, and fatigue that can disappear and reappear without warning. Chronic pain conditions can mean some days are manageable, while others are overwhelming.

In honor of May being Arthritis Awareness Month, I’d like to share my psoriatic arthritis diagnosis journey. Arthritis affects over 54 million adults and 300,000 children in the United States. It is a leading cause of disability, yet it often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years, which is what happened to me. By raising awareness, we can improve early detection and treatment, making a significant difference in the lives of those affected.

Discover the transformative power of creativity in navigating life with chronic illness. Explore how engaging in creative outlets offers a sanctuary for expression, mindfulness, and empowerment. Learn practical tips and accessible ideas to harness the healing potential of creativity on your journey to wellness

Living with a chronic illness can often feel like you are navigating a complex maze with no clear endpoint in sight. The journey is full of unique personal challenges, uncertainties, and roadblocks. Tackling goals can feel daunting when you have so many things to manage and balance! One powerful tool that can help us along the way is setting small, achievable goals. In this blog post, we'll explore how embracing these incremental steps can empower those of us living with chronic illness.

Living with a chronic illness can feel like walking a lonely road, where our struggles often go unnoticed by others. Every day brings its own set of challenges and uncertainties, leaving us to find our way through the maze of symptoms alone. But amid it all, there's a shining light of hope and companionship: online communities, where fellow warriors come together to share their experiences, offer support, and find comfort in knowing that they are not alone in their journey.

Living with a chronic illness is like embarking on an unpredictable journey with twists and turns that often feel beyond our control. As fellow chronic illness warriors, we understand the challenges all too well. We know firsthand the weight of every diagnosis, the frustration of unanswered questions, and the isolation that often accompanies our struggles. Amidst the uncertainty, there are ways to empower ourselves and reclaim some sense of agency over our health and lives. Here are some tips to help you navigate this journey with resilience and empowerment

Living with a chronic illness can often feel like navigating a never-ending storm. Each day brings its own unique set of challenges, from managing symptoms to coping with the emotional toll of the condition. Amid this turbulence, one concept that has the potential to bring peace and resilience is radical acceptance. Radical acceptance invites individuals to embrace their circumstances fully, acknowledging the reality of their condition without judgment or resistance. It's about finding peace amidst the chaos, allowing oneself to let go of the struggle against what cannot be changed, and instead, opening up to the possibility of living a meaningful life despite the challenges that chronic illness presents.