WHAT IS SELF-CARE?

Self-care refers to the actions and attitudes which contribute to the maintenance of well-being and health of the individual.

[Tweet “Self-care is the actions that contribute to the maintenance of health and well-being.”]

When living with a chronic illness, this includes taking prescribed medications, regularly exercising, eating healthily and attending appointments with your doctor.

As equally important is to maintain positive emotional health and well-being.  For me, what has helped cultivate a positive attitude is the development of a positivity board.

This positivity board consists of positive and inspiring quotes and favourite photographs.  And anything else which helps me remain positive and content despite the effects that living with a neurological disorder has on my life.  I have also made myself a comfort box.  A box containing items that bring me comfort and support when symptoms are remarkably severe.  By keeping this box next to my bed provides me the opportunity to self-care when I am unable to get out of bed.

However, how can we still participate in self-care when stuck on a deserted island.  I don’t mean a literal deserted island, but rather how can we take care of ourselves when away from our daily routines and everything else that provides comfort and safety while living with a chronic illness.

One such example is travelling.

Travelling when living with a chronic illness presents its own set of challenges regarding self-care. Being away from our usual routine and everyday life is difficult.

It’s this change and not knowing what to expect that can make it difficult when travelling with a chronic illness. It’s this change and not knowing what to expect which makes it’s difficult to anticipate, plan and manage our symptoms.  In my experience after four cruises, self-care can often be more difficult when on this type of holiday as when we begin to feel unwell we cannot just pop to the nearest store for the items which can help ease whichever symptoms decide to grace us with their presence. Which means, careful and considered packing before we leave on our adventures.

[Tweet “Travelling with a chronic illness presents its own set of challenges regarding self-care.”]

So, how can we practice self-care while we are away?  How can we ensure that we enjoy our relaxing time away and not let our symptoms get in the way of having a good time?

BEFORE LEAVING

The first piece I would give to anyone wanting to travel while living with a chronic illness is to accept yourself for who you are today.  Recognise and accept the limitations that now exist, and assess your particular needs. Once you know them, then you can start planning around your new roadblocks to find a location and type of holiday that is best suited to your particular needs. For example, if you are planning a city break and you have difficulties with mobility then perhaps find a hotel located near the sights that you want to visit during your stay.

[Tweet “Knowing your limitations and needs make it easy to plan and find the holiday best suited to you.”]

I recently read an excellent article about travelling with a chronic illness. It recommended that before starting to pack is to keep a log of your daily activities to better prepare for your needs while away.  Note things like medications, equipment, and anything else that you might need to help look after yourself while away and especially if and when a flare in your symptoms occurs.  It might also be an idea to start packing a few weeks before your departure; this year, I admit I left some things until the last minute, and the packing left me feeling weak and fatigued.

[Tweet “To prepare for your self-care needs, keep a log of your daily activities before leaving. “]

And find the space to pack your essential self-care items such as books and magazines, a favourite pillow or cushion that you find comfortable if pain is an issue for example.  When I am in a lot of pain, I often find distraction the best way to cope, taking my mind away from the source of my discomfort with something such as a funny and heart-warming film.  As such, I always ensure that I pack my iPad loaded with my current favourite films and TV shows (with headphones as not to disturb my travel companions; useful when pain wakes you up in the middle of the night).  It can also be helpful on days confined to bed because of a sudden flare in the severity of the symptoms to entertain one’s self when everyone else is out enjoying their time in a new country.

Hydration is also essential, even those not living with a chronic illness. Make sure to carry a water bottle and snacks in your carry-on luggage in case of delays in the airport.  Dehydration and exposure to the sun both can exacerbate fatigue. To avoid this, drink plenty and limit your time in the sun.

Meditation is also very useful in helping ease the burden of symptoms when they are a nuisance.  There are plenty of apps available for smartphones or tablets that focus on meditation and mindfulness.  The exercises can be done anywhere – even busy airports and they are excellent at settling the mind and reduce stress.  If you find travel difficult and stressful, then perhaps investing in an app like this might be beneficial.

[Tweet “Meditation apps are beneficial for settling the mind and reducing stress – and can be done anywhere!”]

DURING THE HOLIDAY

When sampling a new country, we want to do and see everything it has to offer.  We want to push through symptoms like pain, so we don’t miss out on anything.  But by doing so may not be the smartest move as it may exacerbate then even more.  So take a break.  Perhaps limit your activity to only doing one fun thing a day, giving you the opportunity to rest for the remainder of the day.

[Tweet “Pushing through symptoms so we don’t miss out is not smart and may exacerbate them further.”]

If planning energy-consuming activities alternate your days.  For example, have an active day followed by a day of rest.  Doing this will allow your body time to recover and eliminate the stress and disappointment of potentially missing activities.

[Tweet “To eliminate disappointment of missing out alternate your days between active days and rest days.”]

And this doesn’t have to mean lying in your room while everyone else is having fun.  Book a spa day as an alternative.  Or treat yourself to a day next to the pool with a good book.

During my recent time away, I experienced a day filled with excruciating pain.  Instead of wallowing in self-pity and misery I phoned my best friend as a distraction from the pain.  I found this useful and made my day brighter.  Perhaps you can think about having your person standby in case you need them.

But perhaps the most beneficial part of self-care for anyone is sleep! So try and get a good night’s sleep and nap whenever you feel like you need it. Sleep is perhaps the best form of self-care there is.

[Tweet “Sleep is the best form of self-care there is!”]

COMING HOME

In my experience, travelling can be extremely taxing.  Take a few free days to allow yourself to settle back into your routine and allow your body to recover. Spend the time to pamper yourself and catch up on your favourite TV programmes. Or reminisce while flicking through your photographs from your incredible trip.

Oh, and plenty of sleep, trust me your body will thank you for it!

[Tweet “Allow some free days after returning from your travels to allow your body to recover.”]

And most of all – congratulate yourself! You made it outside of your safe comfort zone. Not allowing the baggage that you carry because of chronic illness from stopping you from seeing the world.  And no letting chronic illness rob you of the excitement and enjoyment that travel offers!