gentle check in for my fellow POTSies. does your body feel:
heavy
weak
shakey
sweaty
or generally overwhelmed?
if yes, here's a little reminder to hydrate, get in some electrolytes, take ur meds if you forgot, and adjust your positioning if you can! sit down, lay down, stretch your legs, elevate your legs, etc. if you've been in one position too long, you may find a little bit of movement to help.
i know for me even sitting upright too long can exhaust me and i dont realize until im out of sitting up spoons. i just did that today now, after some wandering around the house, im having my Horizontal Time (bed). after this i'll likely take a 5 minute walk.
there's no shame in needing rest. there's no shame in needing a break from something to go stretch or get water/food. there's no shame in only being able to do very light exercise. it's okay to listen to your body and do whatever is best for you!
Self portrait in crayon 🖍️
I did what I like to call a "digital detox" by limiting 90% of the apps I could use on my phone, especially social media. I do this because I find so much negativity in the community. Trust me when I say I know being chronically is hard. But there is no reason any of us need a 24/7 reminder of it.
I also find it difficult when I'm stuck at home for a good majority of my days, with no work, it's hard to keep myseld entertained all day. I end up relying on my phone and I get incredibly sad in the process.
As some of you may know if you watch my YouTube, I was off social media for 7 months. I found it beneficial. While I'm ready to be back on social media, I needed a break
So I only used my phone to film my journey, listened, to music, and text two people. My time spent on my phone was half of what it usually was (really just using the camera app.)
Would you be interested in me uploading to my YouTube channel my journey of a digital detox while living with a chronic illness? Should I do this more often? Would you consider doing this?
I'm trying to create a more positive and content place for disabled and chronically ill people. I see so many negative posts about being chronically ill and they can really put me down. I wanna change that
I'd love to ask the question, what are you grateful for?
Now, I know this can be SO hard to answer especially when you're chronically ill. But I really want you to try and think of at least one thing. It could be something really small. Or even a list!
I'll go first: I'm grateful for my ability to create art, my mobility aids, and my chosen family.
YOUR TURN!
A young angel, drowning. Their wings wet, and they can’t fly to safety, snd they can’t call for help. Losing your innocence so young is so difficult, but you’re not alone. You have many supporting you, including me
Collage jellyfish girl!
SHOW THE ART!!!!!
I'm trying to create amore positive and content place for disabled and chronically ill people. I see so many negative posts about being chronically and they can really put me down. I wanna change that
I'd love to ask the question, what are you grateful for?
Now, I know this can be SO hard to answer especially when you're chronically ill. But I really want you to try and think of at least one thing. It could be something really small. Or even a list!
I'll go first: I'm grateful for my ability to create art, my mobility aids, and my chosen family.
YOUR TURN!
You're adapting: Instead of pushing yourself past your limits, you learn ways to make your life with chronic illness just a little easier. It could be sitting while you beush your teeth, or opting for a bath instead of s shower.
You stop telling yourseld you "aren't disabled enough:" Maybe you're an ambulatory wheel chair user or you don't always need a cane to walk around. Stop telling yourself that just because your chronic Illness differs from day to day, means you aren't disabled enough. Go buy that cane or walker and use it when you need to. You don't need anyone's permission. You don't need to prove anything to anyone
You've learned to ask for help: I know we all want to be independent and not rely on other people for help. But even able body people need help from time to time. Our body function differently, and it's okay to need extra help than the average person. You're not a burden.
You priorities your mental health: Mental health is extremely important especially when dealing with chronic illness. You may be grieving your old body or experiencing jealousy. This is all normal. Ways that have healped my mental health tremendously are making a gratitude list to remind me what I'm grateful for, creating a schedule, and minimizing the time on my phone.
After my PTSD was triggered I could no longer live with my childhood abuser. The stress caused me to get ill. I moved out so I wouldn't have to live with them. I'm Now temporarily living at with my girlfriend's now. My condition has been getting worse. I can't walk without a can. My lab results keep coming back normal, but I suspect I have pots.
ENOUGH WITH THIS SAD SHIT THOUGH
After several months of taking a social media break, I'm back! I want a community, a place to show my art, and maybe even make a business.
If you like my art, or are another chronically ill baddie, feel free to follow it even dm me (^_-)-☆