Dealing with Chronic Disease isn’t easy. If you suffer from any condition that affects the way you live your life, you have to make changes. These may involve modifying your behaviour or actions, or it may mean compromising on how you work, socialise or generally live from day to day.

A chronic condition may cause constant pain, a decrease in movement, fatigue, digestive issues, anxiety or irritability and frustration. What can you do to make life better? How can you deal with something that you may have to live with for many years?

I’m not saying it’s easy because it isn’t. There may be times that you feel fed up and really despondent and can’t see a solution. There may be times that you rebel, or feel angry or just give up. These are all understandable and normal reactions.

But what if you could change how you looked at life? What if you could use the resources available to make your life happier and easier, despite the pain or anxiety?

Concentrating on your condition every day gives more power to that condition. If all you focus on is pain, then all you will notice in your life is pain. Medications may be needed, but also consider changing your focus. What else can you do that lights you up? What things bring you joy? Focus on these instead.

There is a saying. ‘What you focus on you create.’ The brain constantly filters information. Our past experiences and beliefs shape our behaviour. As a result our brains can form new neural pathways. This is known as Neuroplasticity. The brain will change its’ messages according to new activities or changes in our environment.

Every time we have an experience, corresponding neurons are activated. Repeating or prolonging an experience will keep the connections between neurons strong and ensure that they stay. Genes are also involved. Regularly practicing meditation, for example, will increase the activity of genes that are able to soothe a stress reaction, ultimately making you more able to deal with stress.

Everything you experience will alter the physical structure of your brain in some way. So why not focus on positive things that bring you happiness and fulfilment.

Dealing with chronic disease isn’t easy and I’m certainly not advocating that it is. But we can all take measures to improve the quality of our lives. Reflexology is one therapy that can help. It improves nerve supply so that those positive neurons can be stimulated. It reduces inflammation so pain can be relieved. It increases circulation to help bring nutrients to all your cells. It helps balance your whole endocrine system so that the body’s chemical messengers are activated.

Reflexology also works on the brain. In conditions such as Fibromyalgia it addresses pain pathways by stimulating the Brain, Central Nervous system and Hormonal system. In Parkinson’s Disease it treats the brain and other areas involved in the production of dopamine, such as the retina of the eyes and the adrenal glands. It also helps reduce tremors and muscle tension.

In Diabetes, it helps to balance blood sugar levels and improve nerve supply and circulation to the kidneys and extremities. Research has also supported Reflexology’s efficacy in reducing fatigue and improving sleep. In those suffering from Cancer, it boosts the immune system, reduces pain and helps to increase physical strength. In Autoimmune conditions, it not only addresses the Immune system but also your emotions and the chemical reactions that take place in your body.

No matter what condition we are living with, we can always take back some control. If we are suffering from anything serious, it’s important to get medical advice but we don’t have to give all our power away. We can change our diet, drink more water, take up meditation, have regular Reflexology treatments, see a Naturopath. We always have choices.

It’s very easy to see your condition as the main focus of your life but it is only a part of your life. Yes it may take up a lot of your time and energy, but there is still so much of your life that exists outside of a diagnosis. Is there something you have always wanted to do, such as painting or writing? Would you like to learn a language or how to cook gourmet meals? There is so much available online now and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Find what lights you up, something that you have always wanted to do or perhaps never dreamt you could do. Give it a try. You will be surprised how fulfilling it can be. Taking the focus off something negative in your life, changes its’ impact on you.

Dealing with Chronic Disease can be very challenging. It is however, possible to retain some control and give your power back to yourself rather than to the disease.

Warmest wishes,

Judy xxx

References:www.reflexologyresearch.net. https://www.medicinenet.com/neuroplasticity/definition.htm https://www.heysigmund.com/why-what-you-focus-on-is-what-becomes-powerful-why-your-thoughts-and-feelings-matter/ Photo by Tim Swaan on Unsplash

Disclaimer: Please note that all information in this article is the opinion of the author and obtained through her research and knowledge and the above references. It is not meant to replace medical advice and a medical opinion should always be obtained for any health condition.