We’re all spending a lot more time at home. As the rest of the world slows to our pace, there are a lot more resources available to learn new skills.
Of course, those of us with chronic illnesses shouldn’t burden ourselves with taking on huge projects. But sometimes learning a simple new skill or habit can help give our day routine, structure and more importantly, purpose. Which is something lots of us with chronic illnesses want to achieve.
We asked our chronic illness bloggers community to share their best posts to help inspire you, should you want to use this lockdown time to work on your self-development.
1. Tai Chi for arthritis and fall prevention with Amanda Pratt
Amanda’s weekly tai chi class is created in partnership with the Arthritis Foundation and is a great starting point to get you more mobile. She offers both sitting and standing lessons so there’s something for all abilities.
Read it here
2. Communicate effectively with a chronic illness
This course is perfect if you’re wanting to improve how you talk about your illness, express how you feel and create stronger and better relationships.
Read it here
3. Volunteering from home – flexible inclusive opportunities for all by Life of Pippa
Volunteering is a perfect way to give back and feel good. And whilst for a lot of us, going out and volunteering isn’t possible, Pippa has shared volunteering schemes where you can make a difference, all from the comfort of your own home.
Read it here.
4. Self-care during isolation by Through the Fibro Fog
Learning how to practice self care which works for you is one of the best skills you can learn. During Covid-19, self-care is even more important as we’re living more isolated lives.
Read it here.
5. An introduction into Time Blocking with The Spoonie Mummy
Time-blocking is perfect if you’re struggling to get things done. Whether it’s procrastination or that you’ve got too much on your plate.
Read it here.
6. Bullet Journalling with shaky hands by The Reluctant Spoonie
We see all of these amazing journals spreads on Instagram however when you’re dealing with shaky hands, or painful hands, it can be really hard. Katherine has shared some brilliant tips to create fun bullet journal spreads.
Read it here.
7. 99 journal prompts for self-discovery by Chronic Mom Life
Journalling is a great habit to get into as you can learn so much about yourself through the process. Marya has shared 99 journal prompts for self-discovery to help you start your journalling journey.
Read it here.
8. Calming breathing practice for fibromyalgia by Melissa
Breathing techniques are a skill which can help with anxiety, stress and managing pain. Melissa’s video sharing this breathing technique will hopefully unleash something in you.
Read it here.
9. 29 Best Tips on How to Cope with Isolation at Home (from People Who Have Done and Will Do This All Their Lives) by A Chronic Voice
People with a chronic illness are the best people to go to to cope with People with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities are no strangers to being stuck at home in isolation. Many are unable to work full-time, or only have enough energy to go out for essentials tasks such as grocery shopping and doctor appointments. And even these activities require pacing and planning, to ensure that there is minimal post-exertion pain flares writes Sheryl Chan
Read it here.
10. How to cope with isolation by Despite Pain
Lockdown has been an adjustment for us all and Elizabeth at Despite Pain has shared both mindset tips and ways to look after our wellbeing during isolation.
Read it here.
This is a brilliant round-up post for inspiration and the way you’ve showcased different blogs makes it a brilliant point of reference. I feel like with being so ill and then being so busy constantly trying to catch up, I’ve not had time for the things I’d like to do like with learning and self-development – This serves as a good kick up the bum. Fab post! x
Some fab posts, thank you for including mine!