Physical Wellness and Management: Navigating Day-to-Day Life with Long Covid
Embracing Wellness in Your Journey
Living with Long Covid means finding new ways to approach daily life and focusing on what works for you in terms of physical wellness and symptom management. This section is dedicated to sharing strategies, ideas, and gentle approaches to help you navigate your day-to-day life with greater ease and comfort.
Understanding Pacing: The Spoon Theory Approach
For many living with Long Covid, managing energy is a crucial part of daily life. The Spoon Theory, originally developed by Christine Miserandino to describe the energy limitations of chronic illness, offers a powerful metaphor. In this theory, each task you do in a day costs you a 'spoon' of energy. The key is to start each day knowing how many 'spoons' you have and planning your activities so you don't run out too quickly. It also offers a quick and accessible way to let other’s know how much energy you have left.
Applying Spoon Theory in Daily Life
Assess Your Spoons: Begin by assessing how many 'spoons' you might have on a given day. This can vary, especially with the unpredictable nature of Long Covid.
Prioritize Activities: Decide which activities are most important and allocate your 'spoons' accordingly. It's about making choices that align with your energy levels.
Plan and Space Out Tasks: Spread activities throughout the day or week to avoid using up all your 'spoons' at once. Incorporate frequent rest periods to 'recharge' your spoons.
Communicating with Others: The Spoon Theory can also be a helpful way to communicate your energy limits to friends, family, and colleagues. It provides a tangible way to explain why you might need to pace yourself or decline certain activities.
Adapting the Theory to Fit You
Remember, the Spoon Theory is a flexible tool. Your 'spoon' count may change from day to day, and that's okay! The goal is to find a balance that works for you, allowing you to manage your energy in a way that supports your health and well-being.
Symptom Management Techniques
Breathing Exercises: Breathing techniques can be particularly helpful for those experiencing breathlessness or chest tightness.
Mind-Body Practices: Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or guided imagery to help manage symptoms and reduce stress.
Sleep Hygiene: Tips on establishing a sleep routine that can help improve sleep quality, a common challenge for many with Long Covid.
We’re lucky to have long hauler and LCC member Laura Thomas offering free virtual Wellness Practices to our Long COVID community, twice daily, in bite-sized 25-minute sessions via Zoom. They are hosted Mondays @ 10am & 6pm, Tuesdays-Thursdays @ 12pm & 6pm, Fridays @ 6pm, and Saturdays and Sundays @ 3pm (Central Time). These sessions are designed to help us break out of the fight-or-flight mode that many of us are stuck in, allowing our bodies to redirect energy toward healing. Donations of $5 - $20 are encouraged, though not required. Save the Zoom link via the link in our Instagram.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Home Adjustments: Minor adjustments around your home to make daily living with Long Covid more manageable.
Tools and Aids: Information on helpful tools and aids, from ergonomic furniture to assistive devices, can make everyday tasks easier.