How to Regain Confidence While Living with a Chronic Illness

Any type of disability or illness can have an effect on your self-esteem, confidence and mental health, but chronic illnesses in particular can have devastating effects on many sufferers. It’s natural, especially when you first learn of your diagnosis, to experience feelings of isolation and a lack of confidence, but it doesn’t have to remain that way. In this article we’ll discuss three ways you can regain your confidence and live a more empowered life with a chronic illness.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness meditation has been increasing rapidly in popularity recently, but don’t be fooled into thinking it is only a recent phenomenon. Mindfulness meditation has been practised for centuries by people all over the world, although it is most commonly associated with Buddhist monks. It is popular for good reason – mindfulness meditation has been shown to reduce stress, increase confidence and self-esteem, as well as reducing pain and improving sleep. Many patients with conditions such as fibromyalgia have found meditation to be an invaluable resource in regaining their mental and physical strength. It’s not difficult either, it can be as simple as a ten minute practice in the morning.

Surround Yourself with Positivity 

A positive mind-set equals a positive life. It has been scientifically proven that making an effort to think more positively and have an optimistic outlook on life can improve your mental health, confidence and self-esteem. However, it is easier said than done. Many chronic illness sufferers find it particularly difficult to be positive, especially during trying times. This is why it’s important to surround yourself with inspiring and positive stimuli. This includes the people you interact with, your healthcare staff and the people you follow on social media, the books you read or the art you have up in your house. Being surrounded by objects and people that promote a healthy and positive mind-set can really help to promote confidence and good mental health.

Give Back to the World 

One awesome way to help boost your confidence is to give back to the world. Often times chronic illnesses can leave the sufferers feeling like they have nothing to give, or are a burden, which is simply not true. To help combat these feelings however, many people battling a chronic illness will choose to give back in the ways that they can, for example: donating to a charity such as the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. This can help sufferers, especially those who have experienced a loss of mobility and can no longer work or take part in as many hobbies to feel like they are still contributing. 

There are many more ways to help regain confidence while living with a chronic illness, such as treating yourself to new clothes, using mobility devices to help you get around with ease, trying new treatments or perhaps even therapy. Different tools will work for different people. Hopefully this article inspires you to try and boost your confidence, whether you struggle with a chronic illness or not.
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