Meet Your Body Where It's At, Not Where You Want It To Be

Living with a chronic illness means constantly balancing what you want to do with what your body can handle. Sometimes, it's easy to push ourselves too hard, thinking we can just power through. Sometimes, it’s hard to even know when you can push through and when you can’t. But our bodies have a way of letting us know when enough is enough. This happened to me last week and I want to share my story, along with some practical tips and strategies to help you meet your body where it's at, not where you want it to be.

My Recent Experience

I usually write to you all weekly, but I had to take a break last week. I completely overdid it for a week, so naturally, my body reacted by catching a cold. Not COVID or anything else serious—just a run-of-the-mill, crappy old cold that knocked me flat for a week. I’m still recovering.

Initially, I thought I could just push through it. I kept going, hoping the cold would magically disappear if I ignored it long enough. But my body had other plans. It hit a wall, and I crashed. I had no choice but to stop and meet my body where it was. It was frustrating because I had so much to do and knew I’d let people down.

By the time I had time in my schedule to rest, it was way too late. I was exhausted, snotty and couldn’t think straight. Instead of choosing to meet my body where it was at, I was forced to do it. One week of intensity led to one week of being sick. It seems like a simple equation, but it doesn’t always work that way, which makes it very confusing and hard to manage.

So, my apologies for missing last week. But I figured that of all the people who’d understand, it would be you! If you have a chronic illness, you know exactly what this is like. Sometimes, you misjudge your body’s capability and push too far, and then it crashes.

I don’t regret anything from the intense period that made me sick. I got to see my husband run a marathon - something I live vicariously through him for, as I’ll never be able to do that. I couldn’t be prouder! I also went to a funeral, saw lots of loved ones, gave an Adulting Well at Work talk, and travelled thousands of kilometres by air and car.

Below are some strategies I usually use to avoid crashes like this, but really just chose to ignore them until I couldn’t anymore.

Nobody’s perfect at managing their health. As they say, ‘just do your best darling’.

Recognising the Signs

Recognising when your body is telling you to slow down is crucial. Here are some key signs to watch for:

• Physical Fatigue: If you're experiencing a noticeable decrease in energy levels and persistent tiredness, it's a sign you need to rest.
• Mental Fog: Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and feeling overwhelmed are indicators that you might be overextending yourself.
• Emotional Changes: Increased irritability, anxiety, or feeling down can be signs that you're pushing too hard.
• Body Signals: Pay attention to pain, discomfort, or unusual symptoms. Your body communicates its needs through these signals.

Practical Tips for Slowing Down

Once you recognise the signs, it's important to take action. Here are some practical tips for slowing down:

1. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to the early signs of fatigue and stress. Don’t ignore them.
2. Set Realistic Limits: Be aware of your physical and mental limits. It’s okay to say no to additional tasks or activities.
3. Schedule Downtime: Incorporate regular breaks and rest periods into your daily routine.
4. Prioritise Sleep: Ensure you get enough restful sleep. Sleep is essential for recovery and overall well-being.
5. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated to support your body's functions.

Strategies for Meeting Your Body Where It’s At

Meeting your body where it’s at involves acceptance, adjustment, and self-compassion. Here are some strategies to help you do that:

• Acceptance: Accept your current physical state without judgement. It’s okay to not be at your best all the time.
• Adjust Expectations: Modify your plans and activities to align with your energy levels. It’s better to do a little well than to do a lot poorly.
• Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Don’t be too hard on yourself for needing to slow down.
• Mindfulness Practices: Engage in activities like meditation or gentle yoga. These practices can help you tune into your body’s needs and promote relaxation.
• Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from friends, family, or healthcare providers. Support can make a big difference in your ability to manage your illness and stay balanced.

Wrap Up

Living with a chronic illness means listening to and respecting your body’s limits. When you recognise the signs that you need to slow down and take steps to meet your body where it’s at, you can better manage your health and well-being. Remember, it’s not about pushing through at all costs. It's about finding a balance that allows you to live well with your chronic illness.

I encourage you to prioritise your well-being by tuning into your body’s needs. Share your own experiences and tips.

P.S.

Adulting Well was started to give people, just like you, more knowledge so you could make the best choices possible – even with chronic illness.

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