REFLECTIONS ON CHRONIC ILLNESSES
GAINING STABILITY, part 1 - - with EXERCISE
By William (for wheezingaway.com)
A person without good breathing is a person living with constant caution. So let us learn what we can, improve what we can, and keep moving forward! – Mr. Bill
Living with a chronic illness means living with a companion that never fully leaves your side.
For many of us, that companion can be unpredictable while changing the course of a day in the snap of a finger. That is why I have always believed that education never stops. The more we understand our illness(es), the better we can navigate the life it creates around us.
My own battles include severe asthma, Stage III COPD, chronic fatigue, and a heart condition. Each one demands its own kind of learning, its own kind of preparation and as I write these reflections, I try to share what I am learning – not as medical advice, but as living experiences that might help someone else feel less alone.
This series of reflections, ‘Gaining Stability with Chronic Illnesses’, will look at six areas that consistently show up as anchors for stability: exercise, avoiding sickness, sleep and rest, knowing yourself, social contact, and nutrition.
Today we begin part one with one many of us struggle with most: exercise!!
WHY EXERCISE MATTERSS – EVEN WHEN IT IS HARD!
Let’s be honest, exercising is not fun for a lot of people and when you add COPD, severe asthma, or heart issues (as in my case), it can feel downright intimidating.
But anyone living with a chronic illness knows this truth – our bodies work better when we keep them on the move.
Exercise does not have to look like a gym membership or a marathon, instead it an be:’
Riding a bike indoors or outdoors
Tai Chi, shadow boxing, or gentle movement routines
The form doesn’t matter nearly as much as the consistency.
When we move regularly, we are telling our entire body
the lungs, heart, muscles, and mind – that they are part of the healing, coping, and surviving process!!
I know firsthand how difficult this can be. With COPD, severe asthma, and a heart condition, some days feel like I am climbing a mountain just to get started. And truthfully, I have never been someone who naturally loves to exercise.
But I can tell you this – my body knows when I stop.
My whole entire life knows.
FINDING A RHYTHM THAT WORKS
Not every day will be a good day and that is okay.
What matters is building a rhythm that respects your limits while still pushing you gently forward.
A helpful starting point could be:
Aim for five days a week.
On tough days – make exercising 15 minutes.
On those good days – make exercising 30 minutes.
As you improve – consider two sessions a day maybe three times a week.
ALWAYS give yourself at least two days of rest.
Rest is not laziness - it is strategy!!
Your body is already working overtime managing your illess(es) and it deserves recovery time.
WHAT YOU GAIN FROM CONSISTENCY!!
You may not always enjoy exercising, but you will notice the benefits:
More predictable heart rate
Faster recovery from flare ups.
A steadier, more positive attitude.
A sense of control in a life that often feel unpredictable
And trust me – those who walk life with you – they will notice
A QUESTION FOR REFLECTION?
What kind of exercise works best for you?
How does consistency help you find stability in your own chronic illness journey?
If you would like to share – drop us a comment. Your story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.
If you live with a chronic illness, stay alert to new information, new tools, and new understanding.
Knowledge is one of the few things that can make the path a little steadier.
As always – because I fight COPD – if you or someone you know has ongoing breathing issues that disrupt daily life, please talk with a physician or pulmonologist. Asking questions early can make a real difference!!
Smiles, Prayers, Blessings, and Steady Breathing.
Source: REFLECTIONS ON CHRONIC ILLNESSES
