Everyone's experience of having a chronic health problems is unique to them as an individual.  You may be healing from an operation or have a long term condition, for example asthma, diabetes, ME or Crohns, or other respiratory, heart or auto-immune conditions.

If you have to miss activities you used to enjoy, or have to decline offers and invitations from friends and family to join in activities; I know myself how this may leave you feeling anxious, left behind and alone.

You may also feel misunderstood and not “seen” when people try to convince you to “chivvy” you along. 

• Can you carefully listen to what your mind and body needs?
  
• Can you find space for rest when you need it?
• Can you respect your individual needs and find an activity that will suit you personally?
  
• Can you reduce your anxiety and bring back some inner contentment?  

Taking a mindful shift to more healing activities

We are all unique and have different passions and hobbies. You might try experimenting with drawing, doing artwork or crafts, playing more easy-going yet compelling computer games, watching a different genre of film, or new sports you know nothing about.  Perhaps you can collect and tend house plants, or a small garden or balcony? You might enjoy one of the many meditation apps or yoga classes that are available online or in person. You might want to get your thoughts onto paper by noting ideas, writing journal entries and poems. Push at the edges of your imagination to find something you truly love. 

Can we shift towards new or slightly different passions?

My love of yoga has been a mixed blessing at times - I used to love a fast paced flow that made me glow - and felt down when I had to give it up!  Experiencing arthritus as I do, I now listen to my body, and I am fortunate to be able to access  Yin and Restorative classes which are unhurried and stretchy. Such classes are designed to allow you to get really cosy with blankets and bolsters, perfect for when you are in need of nurturing.  This type of leisurely yoga helps you to learn how to self-sooth and let go of negative thoughts which can exacerbate some chronic conditions.

Adjust, adapt and accommodate to our bodies

Can we find new actitivies to nourish us, entertain us and express ourselves when we are feeling weaker, low or alone - and find resources that we can look to for support? And perhaps these activities will become important steps in a journey to adjust, adapt and accommodate to our bodies as we change over time.

If this sounds interesting, please don't hesitate to get in touch for counselling sessions, either at The Garden Practice in Hove or online.

I'd love to listen and support you.

Clare