Anna Maria Richards
Being diagnosed with an incurable autoimmune condition can feel overwhelming and distressing. With worries about the future and how you’re going to manage symptoms, that’s not to say it’s all doom and gloom going forward. In fact, your new life with an autoimmune condition can be beautiful. While life may not have panned out as you imagined, there are certain lifestyle changes you can make which will help you feel better if you have an autoimmune condition.
Making small changes today can have a huge impact, so here are five tips for living better with an autoimmune condition.
Follow a Balanced Diet
What you put into your body can have a major impact on the symptoms associated with your autoimmune condition. Whether you experience constant fatigue, skin problems, swollen glands, or joint pain and swelling, making changes to what you eat can enhance the functioning of your immune system.
You should stick to eating a balanced, low-fat diet. Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet, which may help ease symptoms of autoimmune conditions. Although it can be difficult to make rapid changes to your diet, if you’re struggling with your symptoms on a day-to-day basis, you’ll soon notice the benefits eating healthily can bring. If you’re not sure what dietary changes to make, it’s wise to speak to your doctor for advice.
Make Exercise a Priority
Keeping your mind and body in the best shape possible is essential when living with an autoimmune condition. Therefore, getting at least 30 minutes of exercise each day is a must. We all know how beneficial physical activity is for losing or managing our weight, but exercise can help reduce inflammation throughout your body too.
Staying active when you have an autoimmune condition will boost physical energy, and release endorphins in the brain which can lift your mood. Before starting your exercise regime, you should consult with your doctor who will determine what sports and activities are right for your needs.
Get More Sleep
If you’re not getting plenty of rest, your stress levels can go through the roof. Too much stress can trigger symptoms of your autoimmune condition, so try and aim to sleep for a minimum of seven hours per night. This gives your mind and body a chance to rest, helping you to wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead.
Getting enough sleep is easier said than done, so if you’re struggling to drift off at night, there are certain things that can help. Removing distractions from your room, avoiding blue light from your smartphone device, and unwinding before hitting the hay can all aid sleep. Also, make sure you go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day. Once you adjust your body clock, this should make going to and falling asleep easier.
Manage Your Time Better
One of the common symptoms of many autoimmune conditions is fatigue. If you experience this, you may be prone to cramming too much work into short blocks of time when you feel at your best. Unfortunately, this can do more harm than good, leaving you feeling even more exhausted and stressed afterwards.
Whatever activities you have for the day ahead, try and pace yourself and take your time. Evenly spreading out your duties will mean you get everything done without the worry of feeling drained and fatigued at the end. Once you start managing your time better, this should help reduce fatigue.
Reduce Stress and Anxiety
There are many autoimmune conditions that can exacerbate stress and anxiety. If you’re constantly feeling on edge, it’s time to look at stress-reducing activities to clear your mind. Whether this involves meditating, yoga, self-hypnosis, or tai chi, finding an activity you enjoy doing and practicing it regularly can not only help you manage stress levels but decrease your pain too.
If you’re still struggling with stress and anxiety, there are other things to consider which may relieve suffering. Bali kratom is used by some people with autoimmune conditions to treat symptoms of anxiety. Relaxation and a reduction in anxiety are said to be an actual effect you can expect after burning Bali Kratom, as noted in this review. Some people also find massage therapy and deep breathing exercises helpful with easing symptoms of their autoimmune condition.
Whether you’ve been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis (MS), or another autoimmune condition, there are numerous changes you can make which can boost your quality of life, confidence, and health.
