The Balancing Act: How I Use Self-Care to Manage Life with Lupus

We all know the great balancing act known as living with lupus. In my circus I’m constantly juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. Usually a random gust of wind (aka lupus) decides to make things really interesting. One day, I’m a master of balance, taking my meds as directed, hydrating well, and getting in my 10-minute yoga or meditation session like a pro. The next day? My torches are dropping, the unicycle has a flat, and I’m wondering if I even brought the right kind of rope.

Sound familiar? For me, lupus has a way of taking the easiest of tasks and making it a straight chaotic mess. It leaves my self-care feeling like the contortionist act in a circus. I had to find balance, even when lupus tries to play ringmaster.

Lupus Isn’t Easy

Undoubtedly, living with lupus is no walk in the park. Every day can feel unpredictable. Some days, I wake up feeling ready to conquer the world. Other days, I struggle to lift my head off the pillow. Over time, I’ve realized that finding balance is the most important thing for me daily. The key? Prioritizing my self-care.

Here’s how I use self-care to create balance in my life, one step at a time.

Listening to My Body

For a long time, I ignored what my body was telling me. As a result of this, I pushed through the pain and exhaustion, thinking I had no choice. That approach didn’t work. It left me drained and feeling worse. Most times, it threw me into a serious flare.

Now, I’ve learned to listen. For example, if my body tells me to rest, I rest. When I feel up to it, I move. Furthermore, I make sure I don’t guilt myself for needing downtime. Most importantly I’ve learned not to overdo it on good days. It’s all about pacing myself and honoring how I feel in the moment.

Setting Boundaries

Saying NO has been the game changer for me. I used to say yes to everything. Yes, to all the family gatherings, work projects and social events. But as we all know lupus doesn’t care about a schedule. Certainly, she will invade and disrupt it all with no problem.

Being okay with saying NO had me feeling some kind of way. However, I had to realize that my NO doesn’t mean I don’t care about others. It means I care about myself and my well-being FIRST. Therefore, I’ve learned to decline when I know something will take too much out of me. It’s hard at first, but it’s necessary to keep my health in check.

Fueling My Body with Care

From food journaling, I have learned that food plays a big role in how I feel. Certain foods trigger inflammation, so I try to stick to a diet that supports my health. For me, that means plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. However, this is one of the hardest things for me because I have recently deemed myself a foodie LOL.

Additionally, I also stay hydrated, and limit processed foods and sugar. It’s not always perfect, but every healthy choice helps move me in the right direction for my health.

Moving Gently

I am a former athlete, so exercise doesn’t intimidate me. Oftentimes though I thought I had to go hard to get results. You know the adage, “NO PAIN, NO GAIN!”  Of course, that  way of thought used to get me in horrible flare trouble. With lupus, that mindset doesn’t work. Instead, I focus on gentle movements that bring me joy. Movement like yoga, stretching, swimming, and walking.

These activities help ease stiffness, body pain, and boost my mood. Yet, I don’t push myself too hard, but I do challenge myself. Being a woman over 50 I have to make sure to add some form of movement as part of my routine.

Practicing Mindfulness

For me, stress can make my lupus flares worse. Managing it is a priority. I practice mindfulness to help keep my stress and anxiety about lupus issues in check.

Some days, I meditate for a few minutes. Other times, I just focus on deep breathing and centering myself. Mindful journaling also helps me process my emotions and clear my mind.

Prioritizing Rest

Sleep is non-negotiable for me. Without enough physical rest, everything for me feels harder.  Can you relate to that? I know sleep is so elusive on this lupus journey so I’ve created a bedtime routine that helps me wind down.

I avoid screens before bed, drink calming tea, and keep my room dark and cool. It’s made a big difference in how I feel when I wake up. I also wake up the same time every single day and that has helped me sleep better.

Asking for Help

For a long time, I tried to handle lupus all by myself. But lupus is a heavy burden to carry alone. I’ve learned to ask for help when I need it. Whether it’s family, friends, or my support group, reaching out makes everything feel more manageable.

Focusing on What I Can Control

Lupus sometimes makes my life feel unpredictable. Some things are out of my control. I can only focus on what I can do. That might mean preparing for a busy day by resting beforehand or planning my week around how I feel.

This shift in mindset helps me feel more empowered.

Embracing Progress Over Perfection

Self-care isn’t about being perfect. It’s about doing what works for me. Some days, I get everything on my self-care list done. Other days, I do just one thing, and that’s okay.

What matters is that I’m trying. Every small step adds up to progress.

Finding Balance, One Day at a Time

Creating balance with lupus isn’t easy. I’ve had to work on it constantly. By prioritizing my self-care, I’ve learned to manage my symptoms better and enjoy life more.

Putting myself first has been life changing. Prioritizing self-care helps me stay balanced on my lupus journey. It’s not selfish, it’s necessary for survival. When I take care of me, I can show up stronger for everything else. It’s a daily choice, but one worth making. You deserve that balance too. Always remember, you matter. Take it one step at a time and be kind to yourself along the way.