Surprising predictions part 4

 Sickness and In Health: How to cope when illness strikes

Illness doesn’t come with an instruction manual, which can make it difficult to know how to cope with whatever ailment you’re facing. When your doctor prescribes you medicine, it’s important to take the right dosage and use them as directed so you can get better faster and avoid further health problems. This guide on how to handle sickness will help you deal with whatever illness you face in the best way possible so you can get back to doing what matters most in your life—your family, your friends, and everything else that makes life worth living.

Acknowledge the situation

Many illnesses are difficult or impossible to predict, especially those that occur because of something in the environment. I would say that it is just as possible for you to contract a disease, or your loved one to come down with an illness, as it is for me. We all live in the same world after all. 

No matter what the circumstance, this can be an emotional and hard time for everyone involved. The most important thing is to be patient with each other and try not to let things get too heated as these feelings will never help anyone who is struggling through sickness. Feelings will only complicate matters more than they need. Try to remember that there are many people out there who are having to deal with their own struggles. And instead of feeling guilty, consider how fortunate you really are. There is always someone worse off than yourself so instead of focusing on what you cannot do make the best out of whatever situation arises. Make sure to take care of yourself by eating right, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated. It is also important to know when it is okay to push yourself beyond your limits. Listen to your body carefully and take breaks when needed; remember not everything needs doing at once! You can tackle small tasks without worrying about anything else but being sick. If someone brings over dinner, don't feel like you have to eat every last bite- it's fine if you don't want to eat anything today. Your body has been through a lot already- give it some love and keep taking care of yourself first. Be mindful of not pushing yourself too far though- sometimes it is better to simply focus on healing rather than trying to stay busy. Remember that you are not alone and that even though it may seem like there isn't much you can do, trust me when I say we all appreciate any effort made towards helping us! Take time to reflect and talk about life goals- maybe think about future dreams. Anything from running a marathon, finding true love, travelling the world, raising children; anything that makes you happy! Sharing these plans with others helps them understand why you're going through such hard times and maybe encourages them to continue moving forward as well. They are likely in their own battles against illness and could use encouragement from someone close to them. Keep up with household chores and errands to reduce stress levels. For example, sweep the floor or load the dishwasher for less stressful duties. Try not to overload yourself but instead set little goals that may seem achievable in order to improve your mood. Acknowledge that you are not helpless and should find ways to contribute while fighting an illness. Don't let self-pity or pity from others weigh you down; try acknowledging all of the good qualities within yourself. Self esteem comes naturally when we spend time appreciating our talents and skillsets rather than listing our flaws endlessly. Practice deep breathing exercises during tough moments; this will calm you down while releasing tension built up inside your body, ultimately making you healthier overall!

Start by lowering your standards

If you're struggling, do something easy. Don't beat yourself up if you need a break. Everyone has off days, so don't feel like you're letting anyone down. You might want to find an accountability partner who is less demanding of your time--maybe your dad or sister or boyfriend. Find someone who loves you for the person that you are, not just for what they can get out of you. Let them know how much support they give you, and ask them how often they need from you (every day? once a week?). Remember, people won't love all aspects of your personality, but it's important that the people in your life love enough about it for the both of us. As long as you're caring for them too, then we've got this! It may be hard to make sacrifices now, but think about how much worse it would be without their help. People have told me before that I'm being selfish for putting my needs first and taking care of myself first; however, I believe the best way to take care of other people is by taking care of myself first. Sometimes I still feel guilty after doing something nice for myself because I'm worried that the guilt will be there waiting for me later on in life when it really matters--when my family needs me most. But sometimes guilt helps motivate us to grow; shame doesn't; self-loathing never will either; gratitude works wonders, too. That said, being present with others during difficult times can sometimes distract you from your own pain, and lessen yours in turn. One thing to try is focusing on the things that each person does well. We usually focus on what we don't like about ourselves and how little effort we put into anything these days, which isn't helpful at all. To balance things out, next time you talk to someone tell them three things you appreciate about them. And if you ever find yourself trying to make amends with someone whom you've wronged, tell them three things that they did well before apologizing--that way when they apologize back, it'll be easier for both of you to forgive one another. When you forget to say thank you to someone close to you, send them a note telling them why they deserve thanks. Leave encouraging messages around the house for your loved ones to see. When bad stuff happens, show compassion for yourself and others instead of punishing yourselves for no reason--life happens, don't waste any more time feeling sorry for yourself than necessary. Laughing together releases endorphins that heal our minds and bodies; always encourage laughter! Lastly, try to limit how much you compare yourself to others. Comparison leads to envy, and envy leads to anger. Happiness is impossible with anger, so concentrate on achieving happiness in your own life. Remind yourself of where you are now, and remember that where you were was not better. The future will look different than the past, but it's impossible to predict exactly what lies ahead. Be kinder to yourself today by following these steps. Remember this motto: We should be grateful for our trials; Trials create strengths. They force us to confront what we're made of and to come out stronger. Each time you start to feel discouraged, stop yourself. Be proud of the progress you've made, even if it's a small step. And please be gentle with yourself: treat yourself with care, kindness, and understanding when you need it.

If you have time, get better

It's a rough reality that sometimes we'll be faced with the issue of an unwanted sickness in our lives. That being said, there are ways to make those icky days just a little less bad, so read on for some helpful tips. First things first: don't let your illness get you down! Depression can lead to worse symptoms, so it's important not only to take care of yourself but also tackle your own mental health alongside taking care of your physical needs. Self-care is hugely important here - whether it's sleep, self-massage or hot baths, make sure you're getting enough of what makes you feel good to help alleviate any ill feelings. If you're feeling overwhelmed or low, reach out to friends and family - even if they don't have much time to chat or offer advice, having someone around who understands what you're going through is always beneficial! If things are really tough at home (or work), talk to your doctor about disability leave; this way the stress doesn't pile up and you can focus on healing instead. Above all else: never stop trying! There will be days where all you want to do is stay in bed or binge Netflix and cry, but don't forget that even during these difficult times, you deserve better than being stuck indoors. You deserve fresh air and sunlight. You deserve to see the world around you and enjoy life while it lasts. The most important thing to remember during a bout of illness is that no matter how terrible everything feels right now, eventually this too shall pass and something wonderful will come your way again soon. So as long as you know deep down that tomorrow will be better, today won't seem quite so awful. And speaking of tomorrow... go outside! Get some exercise, breath in some fresh air and maybe even meet someone new to brighten up your day. Even if you're running errands by yourself, one person can still bring joy into your life - who knows? You might meet the love of your life at the grocery store! And finally: eat well! Making healthy choices not only helps heal physically but it also boosts mood and energy levels. Now more than ever, use food as medicine. Stay strong everyone :) 

Now I'm not saying you should run yourself ragged, because that isn't healthy either! Taking care of ourselves is vital both mentally and physically, so try to strike a balance between your physical activities (sleeping, eating etc.) and leisurely pursuits (TV/netflix/video games). Getting plenty of rest can truly improve your quality of life at home or in hospital (if necessary) while watching TV/gaming gives you something fun to look forward to after a particularly stressful day. Just make sure you're mindful of overdoing it - 14 hours straight isn't going to magically heal broken bones overnight. :) Of course seeing friends and loved ones is another great way to both pass time AND share knowledge. As I mentioned earlier: fighting loneliness may increase depression symptoms! Try to find a way to include friends and family in your illness, even if it's as simple as answering a text message. After all, we're all going through this together.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

No one is immune from getting sick. Whether you have a cold or the flu, your best defense is fighting it with lots of liquids, rest, staying home when necessary, and asking for help. It may feel easier at first just to tough it out by yourself, but this could prolong the illness and make you feel more miserable in the long run. Plus there are many people who will be happy to help if you let them know what’s going on! A good rule of thumb is that if you need to miss work, school, or other commitments because of an illness, notify anyone involved as soon as possible. Be sure to include contact information so they can reach you directly and ask how you're doing. You might also want to set up emergency contacts in case your phone battery dies or someone needs to pick up your kids after school while you're too sick to drive. When making these plans, be sure not to overcommit; even if you're feeling better by Monday morning, don't agree to come into work for four hours just because everyone else did! Remember that being well means taking care of yourself (and letting others take care of you) and putting your own health first. That's why we compiled a list of tips to keep in mind next time you get sick. 

Asking for help doesn't mean you're weak or fragile - it's simply common sense and being prepared. 

Beating the illness doesn't mean completely overcoming it; all we can do is try our best and manage it day-to-day until we get better. 

We hope these tips help ease some concerns about coping with sickness! For additional advice on specific illnesses, check out articles like How to Beat the Flu and When Your Child Gets Sick. And remember, if you're ever feeling uncertain about something related to your symptoms or treatment plan, please talk to your doctor. They'll be able to give you guidance and answer any questions that arise.

Treat yourself

Having a chronic illness can be difficult, so try treating yourself every now and then. Treating yourself doesn't have to involve unhealthy food or binge-watching television. There are many small things you can do for yourself that will boost your self-esteem. Give yourself a break from the responsibilities of living with an illness - take a few minutes for what matters most to you. That might mean having some much needed me time at home by watching an old favorite TV show, reading an engrossing book, or visiting with friends over coffee in the morning instead of waking up before dawn every day to head into work.

Work on improving your health in whichever way you choose - through exercise, restful sleep or something else that makes sense for you. Set realistic goals for how often you'll get them done, but don't hesitate to celebrate each one! If it's been a while since you've been able to do something because of your illness, allow yourself to enjoy it fully. What good is it if you only partake once every couple months? Be patient with yourself and give plenty of grace as you work toward a healthier lifestyle. It takes time to heal and change habits, so go slowly. Don't punish yourself for days of feeling sorry for yourself after not being able to accomplish your goal this week. Get back on track tomorrow, or set new goals to make next week better than this one. Don't let the disease control you - find ways to control it together. Let the people close to you know about your condition and ask for their help. Tell them where they can find more information about what's going on with you, and ask if they want to learn more. Your loved ones may offer encouragement and support, even if they're uncomfortable talking about sickness. Share what works for other people who live with your same condition - support groups exist all over the world in person or online, just waiting for someone like you to show up. You'll be surprised by how supportive others with your disease can be. Find a local chapter and sign up for monthly meetings that feel right for you. The power of community should never be underestimated; it's one of the best resources we have, especially when dealing with chronic conditions. You won't always understand everything going on in these meetings, but chances are someone there does and will speak up to explain anything you need clarification on. They could also lead discussions about topics related to managing illnesses - such as discussing positive thinking strategies or healthy eating habits - which gives everyone there opportunities to interact in meaningful ways without getting too deep into any personal issues. The best part is, you can come and go to these meetings whenever you want.

A new study suggests that the bacteria in our gut has a big effect on how well we're able to fight off infections. Gut microbiota, or microbes, play a role in immune system development and inflammation. What this means for those of us with chronic illness is unclear yet, but it's interesting to consider that the benefits of taking probiotics (good bacteria) are possible for those with chronic illnesses too. Hopefully soon scientists will discover a definitive answer for us and we'll be able to explore the possibilities for ourselves.

Accept that you need rest

In most cases, you'll need to avoid physical activities such as lifting heavy objects or running. Don't take on anything more than you're able. It's important that you get the rest your body needs in order for it to heal. Let others help around the house if they are able, but be sure that they follow the same precautions as you do in terms of personal hygiene. The exception is eating, which many people find comforting - especially if their appetite has been suppressed by medication or their sense of taste is altered. Try to have a nutritious meal at least once a day. A warm bowl of soup can often be the perfect meal, with minimal effort involved. 

To keep your diet varied and healthy, make an effort to eat different types of foods including fresh fruits and vegetables. You might also want to try some easy dishes like toast with peanut butter or avocado slices over whole wheat bread (or gluten-free bread), pasta salad with grilled chicken or tuna tossed in light dressing, soup (again!), oatmeal, grilled cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread (or gluten-free bread), corn tortillas filled with black beans and cheese. If you're up for trying new recipes, search online for easy recipes!

It will pass (eventually)

While it's not nice being sick, in the grand scheme of things, it usually doesn't last. If you're feeling lousy, try your best to relax, drink plenty of fluids, eat healthily and sleep well. As with any self-help advice about coping with pain or adversity, this is easier said than done. Just remember that you are only human – don't forget that you need occasional rest too! You will soon be back to full strength, so take care of yourself until then. You can also take comfort from the fact that many other people are suffering too – you're not alone in your sickness. Let friends and family know how you're doing by emailing them a quick update, rather than calling them up on the phone. Stay away from work for as long as possible if at all possible; prolonged absence from work may lead to loss of employment which would make matters worse. Once again, be gentle with yourself - after all, the body needs time to heal itself! Follow good habits such as drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. If you have an immune system disorder like Lupus or Fibromyalgia, or another chronic condition like diabetes or asthma, talk to your doctor about treating these underlying conditions before they cause an episode of illness. And always remember that others are going through the same thing as you - keep them in mind and reach out if they might benefit from some friendly words of encouragement. It may seem small but sometimes knowing someone else understands what you're going through is really helpful. It's also important to get enough rest and avoid excess sugar, caffeine, tobacco and alcohol (when you do consume anything caffeinated, stick to decaf). Try not to spend too much time looking at online message boards - while it may help in understanding what others are experiencing or what symptoms mean, reading reports of ailments from people who've had them before may just add anxiety or create panic that the illness could worsen. Trust your doctors and follow their instructions implicitly – if they say stay home, don't argue with them! You'll need more energy to recover later. However, make sure to still get exercise even if you can't go outside - put on a DVD or do something inside the house that gets your heart rate up and moves around your joints. Exercise helps fight off illness because it increases circulation, strengthens immunity and builds healthy muscles. Be careful not to overdo it though – no matter how tempting it is, try not to lift heavy objects (such as furniture) during recovery periods since this risks damaging muscles and stretching ligaments excessively. Remember that stress makes illness worse so try not to let pressure build up; instead find ways of letting off steam such as taking deep breaths or having a relaxing cup of tea before bedtime each night or going for walks during breaks at work. To combat aches and pains, try taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen if prescribed to you, use a heating pad, take a hot bath with Epsom salts, or sleep in a cool room. If you're vomiting, take your medication as directed - remember that it's better to suffer the nausea than risk dehydration. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids and not miss meals too. Avoid eating high-fiber foods that can cause stomach cramps or discomfort. Finally, be patient with yourself and don't compare yourself to those who feel fine – everyone is different! Even if you're feeling awful, there are a few things you can do to make yourself feel better. Talk to your friends and family, get plenty of rest, eat nutritious food and drink lots of fluids. In the meantime, don't be afraid to contact your doctor or physician if you're worried about a worsening illness. After all, there's nothing worse than feeling sick when you shouldn't be!

Stay positive

1. If you are currently feeling ill, take care of yourself by resting, drinking lots of fluids, getting plenty of sleep and eating nutritious food. 2. Try not to let being sick get you down; keep in mind that many people recover from illnesses in just a few days. 3. Spend some time with your family or a close friend if possible--this may help ease your symptoms because those around you can support you emotionally as well as provide for basic needs like grocery shopping, laundry and light cooking. 4. When discussing your condition with someone new--whether it be a new friend or an employer--remember that some people may be unsure how they should respond when they learn that one is not feeling well. Acknowledge their uncertainty by telling them that you understand their situation and offer suggestions on what the best course of action might be. For example, I know this must seem strange but I want to make sure we're clear about my health before I return to work. Can I tell you briefly about why I've been out? What do you think would be the best way for me to handle it going forward? And if I need to stay home while I'm recovering, will there be any issues with our policy on employees taking extended leave? The person will likely respond positively to such an approach because it provides a respectful space for further discussion. 5. Although it may be tempting to disclose more information than necessary, refrain from giving too much detail about your diagnosis or prognosis unless you feel comfortable doing so and have agreed beforehand that the conversation will remain confidential. There's no need to paint a gloomy picture for others-especially when things could turn out okay! You might also find that other people have stories of their own struggles with illness and can share their own experience. For instance, they may even encourage you to visit their doctor who has had good results treating a similar condition. Another good idea is calling into a local radio station or tv show and speaking candidly about your experience to educate others about what it feels like to be unwell. By sharing your story, you'll raise awareness for the millions of people who go through difficult times due to poor health - reminding them that though life seems unfair sometimes, everything does eventually pass in due time. As long as you focus on living in the moment and appreciating all that you still have, recovery will eventually come.