Easy hobbies to try this winter
Every season I find myself wanting to really step into it with a plan and an idea of what I want to achieve. I am not someone who likes to just sit around and watch TV without having something to do with my hands. This winter I really want to get into crafting and find things to do that don’t require a screen, so let’s chat about some easy hobbies to try this winter. Why hobbies are important When I became sick and had to stop working, I felt adrift in a world that prioritises what you do for a living. It is usually the first thing people ask when…
4 Cornerstones Of Motivation In The Modern World
Motivation is the driving force that fuels human achievement, creativity, and growth. In our fast-paced, highly connected world, maintaining motivation has become both essential and challenging. With the constant stream of information, distractions, and evolving expectations, staying motivated often requires a deliberate, multifaceted approach. Understanding the key cornerstones of motivation in the modern world can help individuals navigate these complexities to reach their personal and professional aspirations. 1. Purpose and Meaning One of the most fundamental aspects of motivation is a sense of purpose. Knowing the “why” behind actions provides a powerful, intrinsic motivation that goes beyond external rewards. People who understand their purpose are often better able to weather…
Invisible Disabilities week 2024
It is Invisible Disabilities week 2024, and once again I feel the need to talk about how we shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover. Too often medical professionals and the public see us on social media living our lives and trying to have fun and enjoy it, and assume we are faking. This of course, is not helped by the governments of the world saying we are to blame for crumbling economies and used as scapegoats. So, let’s get into the truth. Why Invisible disabilities week matters: With the rise of social media, people in the disabled community can speak out and be seen, this in turn helps others…
Money and mental health
Most of us know that money and mental health go hand in hand, but being forced to live on benefits is not seen with such compassion. People assume that benefits are easy to get and once you have them, that’s it you are set up and able to chill. But those of us who are disabled and have chronic illnesses know that is not true, so let’s get into it. How money affects my mental health My life changed drastically a few years ago when we had to move in with my mom to help her as she was struggling living on her own. She has multiple sclerosis and previous…
World mental health day 2024
This year the theme for world mental health day 2024, is workplace burnout, and I am sure you are wondering what I could know about that! I have been unable to work for over twenty years, but I tried many jobs, and my first job was as a nurse in the NHS. So, let’s have a chat about workplace burnout. My work history and chronic illness journey I qualified as a nurse in 2000, I trained as part of Project 2000 which was started to get more people into nursing to cover a shortage and to make the training more academic. I soon realised that they had taken all of…
Autumn makes me happy
I think everyone has a favourite season, whether it’s winter with Christmas and snow, or summer with the sunshine and days out. For me, it has always been Halloween season, autumn makes me happy, and I feel like I wait all year for the change in season. There are many reasons why we love a certain season, I am sure you have your own and please share them in the comments. But for now, I thought I would share why I love autumn so much. How seasons affect chronic illness This blog is full of me talking about my battles with chronic depression, and for me it tends to rear…
Some Better Ways To Manage Anxiety
Anxiety is a very common mental health issue, and the kind that is going to affect all of us in some way at some point in our lives. If you are keen to make sure that you are looking after your own mental health as well as you can, having a way of managing and handling anxiety is certainly going to be an important part of that process. So with that in mind, what are some of the better ways to handle anxiety? Let’s take a look now at some of the methods you might want to be aware of. Stay Mindful One thing that can help a lot with…
The frustrations of being a wheelchair user
I will be honest, the frustrations of being a wheelchair user are many and though some are individual, many are shared. So, I thought today I would spend a little time explaining about the different reasons someone might use a wheelchair and then my own reasons. Then I will dive into how using a wheelchair can be so very frustrating, so grab your cup of tea, let’s get into it. Who are wheelchair users? Before we get into the frustrations of being a wheelchair user, I thought we would talk about the many reasons why people might use a wheelchair. Most people think only someone who has been born with…
Reading every day with chronic illness
I love to read, it has been something I have loved since a child, curled up with my favourite teddy and a good book I would be happy for hours. But reading every day with chronic illness is not easy, and found one book could last months. I wanted that to change, and I used some tactics to ensure I can read more and faster, so let me share them and maybe they will also help you to regain your hobby. Why does reading every day with chronic illness matter? I was in my early twenties when I first became sick, I had worked hard for three years to train…
Reducing Tension When Living With Chronic Pain
Reducing stress and tension from your body when in pain isn’t as easy as it sounds. When you live with pain day in and day out, being able to relax becomes more difficult as you learn to navigate the pain and figure out how to improve your life to accommodate this. However, by proactively creating an action plan to manage your pain levels and the stress it can cause, you can take control of your situation. This can lead to an improved quality of life and a sense of empowerment, even if it doesn’t directly alleviate your pain. Stretch When you’re in pain, it’s natural to hold your body in…
