Adopting a healthy lifestyle can be a struggle, but the benefits are beyond measure. We understand that this may represent a radical change of lifestyle for many people. You may need to have a shift in identity as you integrate new habits which you’re not used to. At the same time, you’ll need to unlearn the old habits which were not so healthy. It will take time and some careful planning. Once you adopt an effective strategy so that your go-to in feeling good is doing something good for you in the long run, rather than in the moment.

Exercise can improve your strength, energy, mobility, heart and lung function, blood pressure, immune system, and body fat levels. Following a healthier eating plan can be a struggle for many people. Unhealthy food can be a source of comfort, especially if you are feeling stressed or anxious about your current condition. Achieving a good quality and quantity of sleep each day will help you replenish your strength and energy stores which you need to manage daily activities. It can also boost your physical and emotional well-being. However, limited you may be physical, it is important to do something, no matter how small. Small wins lead to big changes.

As always, work with your medical team to ensure you’re following the plan that is best for you.

7 Effective Strategies to Improve Sleep

 Achieving a good quality and quantity of sleep each day is vital to help you fight the chronic illness battle. It will help you replenish your strength and energy stores which you need to manage daily activities. It can also boost your physical and emotional well-being. However, many of us have less than perfect sleep patterns and improving them can present a challenge. A relaxed state of mind goes a long way in addressing this. Here are seven strategies which might help you accomplish this:

1. Mindfulness

The practice of mindful meditation emphasises focusing on internal or external stimuli which present themselves to you at the moment. This is designed to prevent you from letting your mind raceway with anxiety-inducing thoughts. When performed in conjunction with slow breathing, it can help you to achieve a relaxed state at bedtime, increasing the likelihood of good quality sleep. For more information on mindfulness, check out our YouTube video.

2. Read

 Reading is another way to take your mind off anxiety-inducing thoughts and let your mind relax. This is especially true about reading fiction, as opposed to reading more fact-based material, which tends to stimulate thinking.  Listening to a fiction audiobook played at a soft level is another good alternative.

3. Listen to Relaxing Sounds

 Certain background noises can put you in a relaxed, hypnotic state if played at a soft enough level. This can include melodic music, a ticking clock, insect, frog or bird noises or waves crashing.

4. Minimalism

 Having less to objects to look after or obligations to perform, can lead to having less stress and anxiety. This can lead to you being in a more permanently relaxed state of mind, which is conducive to a good night’s sleep.

5. Avoid Stressors

 There are many stressful situations we face in life. Some will be easier to avoid than others. Examples of this can be toxic people, activities which are overly demanding or having too many different responsibilities to take care of. Doing your best to avoid these, will enhance your ability to relax and have good sleep.

6. Find Support

Having supportive people in your life can also alleviate a lot of anxiety and lead you to a more relaxed state, making sleep easier. This can include family, friends, work colleagues, support groups and medical professionals.

7. Savour the Bed

A lot of people get too fixated on the need to fall asleep and not savouring the comfort they are experiencing. When you let go of your attachment to sleep and fully immerse yourself in the enjoyable feeling of a soft pillow, fresh sheets and comfortable mattress, it can help you relax a lot more, ironically making sleep more likely.

We invite you to share your feedback with us. Have you tried any of these before? Have you tried anything different? What has worked for you? What has not worked?

Is there anything else you would like for us to cover?

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Our website is www.illnesscoaching.com

Find our page on Facebook under MPower Illness Coaching, where you can join our community. You will see have a recorded video version of this blog on our YouTube Channel. MPower Illness Coaching

As always, if you are experiencing any severe medical or psychological symptoms, we always recommend you speak directly to a qualified professional.

Thank you for checking in with us and we’ll see you again soon.