Managing Chronic Conditions: Strategies for Living Well With Chronic Illnesses

It's apparent to note that living a life with chronic illness is not easy. Having chronic conditions affects the life of a person heavily, as it becomes difficult to even perform regular chores. It reduces productivity, efficiency, and, more importantly, the quality of life by affecting people physically and mentally.

A chronic condition is a kind of circumstance that is persistent. That's why it's necessary to adopt proactive tips and strategies for its management. Below, we will be mentioning a few such strategies and tips for a healthier life that can provide relief amidst chronic conditions.

A chronic condition is one that lasts for a longer period of time and can be controlled but can't be cured. The complications and healing period incurred in this go on for more than months or even years. Studies reveal that 6 out of 10 people in today's world are prone to suffering from a chronic illness. There are many factors that influence such conditions, including family health history, lifestyle, age, environment, etc.

Have a look at the list of some common chronic conditions from which people suffer the most:

• Diabetes 
• Asthma 
• Cardiovascular disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) 
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Mental health condition
• Cancer

This long-term illness is usually controlled by people changing their lifestyle and incorporating some good habits to practice every day. While curing it is way too impossible, the management of it can greatly benefit by providing relief from the toll it keeps taking. Outlined below are the tips and strategies to follow:
1. Munch on healthy: Your gut's health is powerful enough to affect your body's functioning. What you put in your stomach matters a lot. So be wise with what you eat. Let your food plate be colored with nutrition like carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, etc. Also, tailor your diet according to the condition you are going through. For example, if you are diabetic, avoid anything sugary or sweet, as it can worsen the condition.
2. Exercise daily: One of the most effective tips for staying healthy is to start the day with daily exercise at a fixed interval. This fundamental activity, if integrated with interest, health needs, and time, can have a significant impact on health. The key is to stay consistent while adapting any form of exercise, be it brisk walking, jogging, yoga, etc., to experience its positive outcomes.

Read more: Create your own fitness routine for a better lifestyle

Balancing Body and Mind: Yoga, Wellness and Health

3. Take plenty of rest: The key to improving the quality of life is to get plenty of rest. This allows the body to get enough time to rest and reduce stress. It also saves energy, which can be used to do other tasks. Also, fix your sleep cycle by prioritizing it for 7-9 hours. This is because disrupted sleep can contribute to other symptoms, which can worsen the situation.

4. Stay Hydrated: Hydration plays an important role in overall body well-being. Be it any chronic condition, drinking the right amount of water can always benefit the body. Drinking water flushes out all the harmful toxins present in the body. Also, it facilitates nutrient absorption, energy production, and healthy gut health. That's why we keep drinking—not just to quench our thirst but also to know its importance in our bodies.

5. Regular appointments: Keep checking with medical professionals and doctors on an interval basis to see if the condition is uncontrollable or not. If any symptom arises, make sure to visit the professionals as soon as you can. Also, monitor the symptoms by maintaining journals and using fitness wearables and apps.

6. Take Medications: Don't tend to skip the medications as prescribed by the doctor. Take your regular doses at the times mentioned. Refrain from taking medicines not suggested by the doctor. If any side effects due to medicines occur, quickly bring them to the attention of the doctor.

7. Stay equipped: In this battle of chronic illness, medical devices are the weapons to fight with. Depending on the disease, always keep medical devices that can support your health. It can be nebulizers, oximeters, BP monitors, thermometers, etc.

Note: We advise you to consult with the doctor before following any of the tips above.

Within this article, we have explored a wide realm of chronic conditions and ways to live with them. It's difficult to get up when falling victim to such a disease, but there are always ways to improve the quality of life, and that's what we have talked about in our blog. Read our other blogs, which comprehensively deal with ways to live a healthier life and insightful advice to cope with existing conditions.