Live Well With Chronic Illness

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Live Well With Chronic Illness

Trauma-Informed Health Coach, supporting people with chronic illness to live their best lives!

08/01/2026

You are not your pain!

Chronic illness can feel like it consumes everything. Your energy, your plans, even your sense of identity. But here’s a small reminder: your illness is part of your experience, not the whole of who you are.

In mindfulness and approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), we learn to expand our awareness beyond a single point of focus, like pain or symptoms, and reconnect with the fullness of ourselves.

You are not just fatigue, not just pain, not just a diagnosis. You are the observer of your thoughts and sensations, not defined by them. When a thought like “I’m weak” shows up, try kindly labeling it as “just a thought.” It doesn’t have to define you.

You are a whole person: your passions, your values, your humour, your courage, your compassion, your strength.

What’s one label you’re ready to swap for “just a thought”? Share it below.

07/01/2026

“And now we welcome the new year, full of things that have never been.”

— Rainer Maria Rilke

06/01/2026

When everything feels heavy, where’s your sparkle?

Living with chronic illness can feel relentless. The pain, fatigue, appointments, uncertainty. It’s easy to get swept up in what’s hard and miss the tiny moments of light that are still present, but even the smallest positive moments can help build resilience.

If you can, take 60 seconds now, just to pause. Breathe deeply. Notice one small “good” around or within you. Maybe it’s a warm sunbeam on your skin, the gentle rhythm of your breath, your favourite blanket’s softness, or the taste of your morning tea.

Psychological research, including work by Barbara Fredrickson (2001), shows that noticing these small positive experiences can help widen our perspective and strengthen our emotional resources over time. This isn’t about ignoring the hard stuff — it’s about holding both pain and possibility.

Your turn: What’s your glimmer today? Share it in the comments — you never know who your words might encourage.

01/01/2026

Comfort is not a luxury, it’s essential when living with chronic illness.

Today’s tip: Create a Comfortable Environment

Whether you’re at home or traveling, make sure you have what you need to feel physically supported: cushions, pillows, blankets, air purifiers, or anything that helps reduce symptoms.

Sleep is foundational to health. Don't hesitate to bring what you need with you. I always travel with my pillow - I use a vacuum-packing bag to squash it so it fits into my suitcase! Another favourite tip is a small roll of memory foam to place under my back when away, if the beds are hard or unsupportive; a true lifesaver for preventing morning pain. You can buy it by the metre online.

Want 2026 to feel different? My Chronic Illness Essentials Course can help you rebuild balance and confidence in your health journey.

Warm wishes,
Deborah

31/12/2025

Wishing all my friends, clients, and contacts a very Happy and Prosperous New Year!

I know that, for many of us living with chronic illness, this time of year can feel difficult, and the thought of facing the year ahead can be hard.

Please know that you are not alone, and that there is always hope. With the right support, the right treatment, and the right changes, you can feel very different.

So I hope that you can find it in your heart to look towards the coming year with optimism about your situation.

Living with a long-term health condition is a rollercoaster, and there are ups and downs on everyone’s path. From my own personal experience, I know that, even though the downs can feel hopeless, there can be significant improvement just around the corner, with the right information, the right support, and the right opportunities.

I wish more than anything that each and every one of you will have the information, opportunity and support you need to be healthy and happy in 2026.

Happy New Year!

24/12/2025

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

As we enter the Christmas celebrations, I hope that wherever you are and whatever your situation, you can all have a comfortable and peaceful Christmastime with your loved-ones.

Warmest Wishes,

Deborah

21/12/2025

Stress releases chemicals that can intensify our symptoms and make us feel worse, and lead to overwhelm.

Today’s tip: Manage Stress

Christmas can be a stressful time, for lots of reasons. Try gentle breathing practices, mindfulness, or relaxation techniques to keep your nervous system steady. Focus on slow, calm breaths, a longer out-breath helps signal safety to the body.

If you would like to learn some stress-management tools that can support you with chronic illness, my Chronic Illness Essentials Course would help you do just that!

Warm wishes,
Deborah

20/12/2025

Self-care is a vital part of living well with chronic illness. Gifts that encourage relaxation and self-nurturing can help your loved one feel cared for and supported, and show that you really care about their wellbeing.

In today’s post, I’m sharing self-care gift ideas that promote wellness, from soothing skincare to stress-relief devices.

Many people with chronic illness are very harsh on themselves and feel that they don’t ‘deserve’ time for themselves. We can develop very harsh relationships with our bodies when we are sick, but taking time to do self-care practices can help us repair this.

Thoughtful gifts like these can help your loved one to know that it’s ok for them to spend time on themselves and take care of their own needs, and their body deserves some TLC.

Here are some self-care essentials to consider:

Toxin-free toiletries and skincare (check out ‘Only Naturals’, ‘Green People’, or Tropic)

Natural soaps and creams from brands like ‘Lyonsleaf’

A decorated water bottle for hydration

Gua Sha tools for lymphatic drainage

Eye masks or weighted blankets for relaxation

Sensate Vagus Nerve Stimulator for relaxation and stress relief

Support their self-care journey with products that nourish body and mind.

18/12/2025

Be Prepared!!

Take a leaf out of the Scouts with their motto of ‘Be Prepared’! Feeling prepared can make the festive season feel safer.

Today’s tip: Create an Emergency Pack

Keep a small kit with you, in your bag or car, containing what you need if a flare or crash comes on suddenly. Ideas include:

medication

antihistamines

pain relief

creams or balms

a hot water bottle or wheat bag

ear plugs & eye mask

an inflatable neck pillow

safe snacks

water

a favourite meditation track

A mini air purifier can even be helpful for those with allergies or sensitivities.

Taking the time to prepare a small emergency kit can make even the toughest days feel a little more manageable.

If you want to explore what might help you manage your health and feel safer in 2026, my Chronic Illness Essentials Course would be just the thing!

17/12/2025

Living with chronic illness can bring long days where both physical discomfort and mental fatigue take their toll. Sometimes, the perfect gift is to give your loved one something that helps bring them a little bit of joy and fun and entertains them through the tougher days. Fatigue and brain fog also make the administrative burden of managing their illness even more difficult.

In today’s post, I’ll be sharing gift ideas that can provide some fun and help distract them from their symptoms for a while. There are also some practical tools to help your loved one feel mentally and emotionally supported while keeping track of their daily needs.

Entertainment & Distraction:

Audiobooks, podcasts, or streaming service subscriptions

Puzzle books, board games, or jigsaw puzzles

Magazine subscriptions

Music or films

Meditation app subscriptions

Mindful colouring books

Novels or non-fiction books

A new hobby or craft kit

Organisational Tools:

Notebooks or planners for tracking symptoms and appointments

Wellbeing journals for mindful writing

Pillboxes or tablet organizers

Calendars or diaries

These gifts are all things that can help make long days feel a little bit brighter, and can also help them with the mental burden of managing appointments and health needs. 💜

14/12/2025

Food and drink can be a source of joy during Christmas, but they can also be a source of stress when managing chronic illness.

Today’s tip: Eat, Drink & Stay Well

Bring your own snacks or meals if you need to. Communicate dietary needs early and the people who care will want to support you. Stay hydrated throughout the celebrations (a decorated, toxin-free water bottle helps!)

And remember: alcohol and caffeine can worsen stress, inflammation, sleep, and symptoms. Be kind to your body and choose what helps you feel well.

If you’re ready to transform your health in 2026, my Chronic Illness Essentials Course could be your next step.

Warm wishes,
Deborah

13/12/2025

Pain Relief: A Soothing Touch

Managing pain is a constant challenge for many living with chronic illness. Anything that can help them by providing some temporary comfort and relief will be welcomed, and it shows that you have empathy and understanding of the suffering they experience.

In today’s post, I’m sharing a few pain-relief gift ideas that could make a real difference. Whether it’s soothing heat or targeted massage, these gifts show you understand the need for both comfort and care.

Here are some thoughtful ideas to help alleviate discomfort:

*Heating pads or wheat bags

*Massagers for muscle relaxation

*Ice packs or cooling gels

*Vouchers for reflexology, acupuncture, or massage

*Soothing balms like calendula or comfrey rub (check for any allergies or sensitivities before buying perfumed or herbal products)

*Far Infrared products like blankets, knee supports or slippers

Unsure whether to go for heat or ice? Subtly ask about what provides the most relief to pick the perfect gift.

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Stamford

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http://Livewellwithchronicillness.co.uk/

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