Today's CHALLENGE: "Make it a great day. Life is full of ups and downs. Sometimes, the type of day we have is out of our control, but other times we can influence how our day is going. Come up with 5 tips for changing your frame of mind when you're having a bad day!" (#HAWMC WEGOHEALTH) Living with any illness, especically an invisible one like Gastroparesis, is tough. You never know what kind of day it's going to be until you wake up. Even then, things can change immediately, for no apparent reason. A couple bites of a cookie, or sliver of whatever your taste buds desire, on a day when you actually feel normal can cause you dire consequences; In just a couple of moments your best day can become one of your absolute worst. Similarly, a nice walk in a park, an essential grocery run, or even a child's ballgame can drain those with Gastroparesis. The majority of the time our day is determined by the day-to-day symptoms and their severity at the time. When symptoms are present, and my day is not a desirable day, there are things that I try to help improve my mood. Unfortunately, they usually only help when symptoms are on the minimal, and if I'm lucky the moderate days. 5 TIPS FOR MENTALLY IMPROVING MY DAY 1. Prayers I do not expect immediate answers to my prayers. However, praying does provide some relief. Knowing that God understands that I am not angry about my pain or discomfort is important. My prayers usually include pleas to help others, as well as myself, have the strength to endure the troubles that we are facing. I know that everything happens for a reason and that God has a plan and path for my life. I pray that he will help us follow his plan, discover our purpose, and have the strength to achieve it. 2. MUSIC Listening to music is on activity that I try to improve my mood on during down moments/days. The music doesn't improve my symptoms; However, it does help me gain the much needed strength to face and endure my symptoms. Music helps me remain a fighter and not give up on myself. I listen to a variety of music, but during my difficult times I always find comfort from my Contemporary Christian Music playlist. Some of my favorite artists are Josh Wilson, Matthew West, Tenth Avenue North, Chris Tomlin, Mercy Me, and Plumb. 3. Online Communication There are a few different ways that I find comfort online. Lots of times I am back and forth between them at the same time. All help me refocus my mind and attention off of my body. 1) Talking with online friends via my support group. Sharing my worries while helping them with theirs. 2) Selectively chatting with a special friend or two. Knowing that I am being heard but not being judged. Sometimes their uplifting words or change of subject can help. 3) Twitter - Advocating, Sharing, and Reading others posts are enjoyable to me. It doesn't take much energy at all, but I feel like I am at least doing something productive. If the mood is right, I may even research Gastroparesis and treatment options to see if there's anything new to help others like me. 4) Blogging helps me discover more about my self. Many times I have a difficult time beginning an entry, yet eventually get lost in my words. My innermost feelings and thoughts sometimes evolve into words on a page. While helping myself, I share these blogs in hopes that they will help someone else as well. 4. Family I can't even explain the support, strength, and positivity that I gain from my family, especially my kids. When I am suffering or in a low point, my kids are always there for me. Sometimes they offer jokes, backrubs, special hugs, prayers, heating pads, etc all in an effort to help me feel better. I would love to say that they are able to take away my pain, nausea, fatigue, and other symptoms; unfortunately that's not the case. However, they can help improve my mood and remind me why it's essential that I don't give up. They help me see the importance of continuing my fight. My children are my light, they are my reason for living, and I love them for their unconditional love and support. 5. Sleep
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Trisha BundyA proud mother, educator, Gastroparesis & GI Motility Disorder Advocate, Like my content? Want to thank me with a small token of appreciation? https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1LH7R639ORBML?ref_=wl_share
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