Promise to Take Care of Yourself
So many things are written today that emphasize expensive programs to help yourself be happier and successful. Having lived 8 decades, I think I have tried them all. Some made me happier for a day, some did not, and some changed my life. Being diagnosed with an incurable disease turns us to searching for how to manage day-to-day. Maybe we should remind ourselves of those things and try them again. It could take our minds off of “searching for a cure” or a treatment.
For the past several weeks, while I was doing hyperbaric chamber treatment, I have gone back to self-help books to pass the hour in the chamber. This post is about my journey through remembering what things I have tried that helped and what things I should try again.
Last week, I read a book about the human brain and its workings. The book emphasized getting enough sleep. I always thought that as we age, we need less sleep. This is not true, I guess. We should always be looking at the quality and quantity of our sleep. I have changed my bedtime routine to foster both REM and deep sleep. It does improve my energy and make my days more pleasant.
I recently read that music of specific frequencies can help your body heal. YouTube has some excellent channels for different frequencies. Since I need to stay in the HBOT chamber for at least an hour, I choose music from healing channels to listen to while I read. I wish I could nap in the chamber, but my mother harped on not sleeping in the daytime when I was growing up. She thought naps were at least a sin, if not worse. Several other patients and even the techs tell me they get an extra hour of great sleep while in the chamber for treatment. I guess I will have to keep going to bed at an early hour to get mine.
Even though we spend much time attending medical appointments, we must remember to slip in some things that make us feel good. Try to find some other people who like to do some of the same things you like to do. Check the Myositis Association (TMA) website for any activities listed on their calendar or groups that meet that may share other activities. Check with libraries or chambers of commerce to see what is happening around you and take advantage of something. Yes, some days, we are exhausted (most days, if we admit it), but boredom can be an extra burden while we are trying to struggle through the days.
The brain book also discussed keeping your mind working by doing daily brain activities—sudoku, crosswords, scrabble, or words with friends. I personally like to do jigsaw puzzles, so my husband and I do at least two a week of 1000 pieces. This way we are doing something together and keeping our minds healthy. I started to think about things that seemed much harder to do, but I’m sure some would have been harder regardless - I am getting older, after all. Because I also have IBM, I need to consciously improve my mental and physical strength, even beyond just the typical issues of aging. This is probably true for you, too. You might choose to walk with a friend or neighbor you want to get to know better or join a book club so you can read books selected by someone else. Maybe go to a sitting yoga class. Many community events are “no cost” and welcome everyone. Someone else has already done all the work organizing it. All you have to do is enjoy it. If you hate it the first time, choose something else the next time.
If you are not mobile enough for stuff like the above, pick old television shows you used to watch and see if they are still as funny. Television and YouTube documentaries and travel adventures about any subject you can think of exist. I thought I would travel in my retirement and saved to do that. But instead, I sit in my recliner and travel everywhere I want (sometimes three places in a day). I do cruises, train trips, and walking tours. You would be amazed how much more relaxed and comfortable this kind of travel is. I am really glad I saved the money, as I use it to pay for medical treatments. Podcasts pass the time and hold your interest as well. Books from the library are free on Libby, and movies are free on Kanopy if you have a library card. If not, get one - it’s well worth it.
I treat myself to a relaxing massage every month, work jigsaw puzzles daily, have a mother/daughter day with the daughter who works from home once a week and a “girls day” with both of my grown daughters once a month. We try all kinds of stuff, and spending time with them makes me extremely happy no matter what we do. I schedule coffee with my friend S every five weeks or so and put it on my calendar to call each of my siblings at least once a month since none live close enough to visit them. I do not do marathons, bodybuilding, or racquetball, but I still enjoy every day of my life and am grateful for the ability to do as much as I can.
Write down things that make you happy and fit them into your life. You will be glad you did.
What do you think about all of this? What do you do to keep your brain active and eliminate boredom? Please leave me your thoughts in the comments.
“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
This blog post is based on personal experiences and is not meant to provide medical advice.
Always consult your healthcare professional for personalized guidance on your health journey.
