• Home
  • About
  • Pain Management
  • My Chronic Diary
  • Self Care
  • Personal Development
  • Gift Guides
  • FREEBIE LIBRARY

The Chronic Diary

Chronic Pain & Lifestyle Blog

Surprising Lessons Living with Chronic Pain Taught Me In 2021

January 7, 2022

This post may include affiliate links. If you purchase any products or services provided in these links, I may earn a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and you are not obliged to purchase, use or recommend anything provided in these links. For more, please read my disclosure page.


brown plant in white room

Happy new year! Last year was a strange year for all of us worldwide. With so many things having changed because of the pandemic, things were tough, particularly for those of us trying to manage a chronic illness. Here’s a roundup of what living with chronic pain taught me in 2021 and all the things I plan to do this year.

WHAT LIVING WITH CHRONIC PAIN TAUGHT ME IN 2021

THE BEST LIFE LESSONS 2021 TAUGHT ME

friends clinking champagne glasses

It’s necessary to take breaks & practice self-care

One huge lesson I learnt from chronic pain last year is that it’s okay to take time out for myself and rest.

For so long, I felt like taking breaks, whether it was because of a flare-up or just needing time to myself, meant I was being lazy or wasting time.

But trying to push myself when my body or mind was telling me otherwise was causing more harm than good.

In the last 6 months of 2021, after experiencing total chronic illness burnout, I took breaks and practiced self-care intentionally.

Taking those moments made such an enormous difference to my mental health and how I manage my chronic pain.

I felt so much happier, energised and slowly felt less guilty about making myself my priority.

It’s okay to have bad days

Those of us living with chronic health conditions will totally understand how up and down life can be. 2021 was a rollercoaster, filled with a lot of down days and not so great moments.

One huge lesson chronic pain taught me is, not every day is perfect and that it’s okay (and sometimes necessary) to have those moments.

I didn’t realise that for the past however many years; I didn’t truly understand what I needed or didn’t need to help get me through my toughest times. But thankfully I’m now more aware of my needs.

Those moments, despite the tears, brought me clarity and understanding in a few different ways:

  • It’s important to take time out
  • To talk about how I’m feeling, only when I feel ready
  • How to communicate my needs when things aren’t going so well

It’s okay to set boundaries and say no

two women pulling woman's arm

I’ve struggled with saying no and setting boundaries for way too long.

One thing 2021 taught me, the hard way is that boundaries are healthy and necessary, especially when you’re trying to tend to your health.

There came a point when I finally said no and set boundaries without feeling guilty or uncomfortable.

I had finally gotten to a place where I was willing to accept that not everyone will welcome the idea of me prioritizing my health and putting myself first.

And I was totally okay with it! Now that’s progress!

Whether it was saying no to going out or making people aware of things I need, to better manage my pain, I did it all, and it felt fucking great!

To take time to rest outside of having a flare-up

One major thing I realised is that outside of having to rest during a flare-up, I wasn’t resting at all.

I was pushing myself even harder when I felt well because I wanted to make use of all flare free time I had.

But doing that meant I still felt super tired, irritable and not my happiest. So mid 2021, I made the conscious effort to schedule ME time, not related to being in pain.

Whether it was taking the time to listen to a podcast, going on a solo date, or going to get my hair and nails done.

This is something I would highly suggest for anyone living with a chronic illness. Take time that isn’t related to your health condition to do something you enjoy.

It’s a good way to remind yourself that your illness doesn’t have to define you.

LIVING WITH CHRONIC PAIN TAUGHT ME THESE THINGS ABOUT MY HEALTH

diffuser on brown tray

To make use of everything that can help me manage my pain

Like anything, it’s easy to stick to things that you’re used to or feel most comfortable with. This can apply to pain management, too.

For so long, I’d been using the same methods to manage my pain, and wasn’t taking the time to try anything new.

I joined Instagram in 2021 and discovered the amazing chronic pain and chronic illness community.

I came across so many amazing people with so many conditions and different pain management methods.

Which inspired me to look into different things and try them out for myself. In doing that, I found a few more things to add to my pain management toolbox (outside of medication), or do a little more research into things I’d never tried or heard of before.

That It’s important to continue advocating for myself

As we all know, the pandemic has changed our way of life, in every way, which includes health care.

Due to all that was, and still is going on, it was so difficult to speak to a doctor, get appointments, referrals or general advice.

2021 was the year that things finally opened a little more, but I was still aware and considerate of the amount of pressure doctors and the NHS (UK) were under. But in doing that, I let a little too many things slide.

woman lying on bed on laptop

The second half of this year was hard for me, and my pain was unbearable.

I felt like I had run out of options and because of the pandemic; I felt like I had no right to complain to my doctors when so many people were suffering.

But I had to remember that I was struggling too and that my needs still matter.

I learned that it’s still as important to continue to advocate for myself and communicate exactly what I need with my doctors (even if the response time may be a little longer).

To pay more attention to my pain triggers

Another major lesson chronic pain taught me in 2021 is- I need to pay attention to all things that trigger my flare-ups. Initially, I was only paying attention to my levels of activity and stress.

But early in the year, I noticed other things were also triggering my pain. Such as certain types of foods, like dairy and red meat. I also noticed that a lack of sleep was a major contributor to my pain levels.

Paying more attention to all of my triggers helped me to manage my pain so much better.

LESSONS CHRONIC PAIN TAUGHT ME ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS

three women sitting on bench

To stop focussing on those who don’t support me and cherish the ones that do

I spent so much time and energy annoyed at those that weren’t supportive of me.

It’s so hard having people around, whether friends or family members, that aren’t supportive of all you’re going through.

Holding so much resentment towards those people made me lose sight of the few that were supporting me.

Living with chronic pain taught me how important it is to cherish the people that I can lean on and stop giving so much power to those that don’t.

I’ve realised how fortunate I actually am. As not everyone with chronic pain, or those going through a rough time, has a support system.

It’s not my job to make people care

One of the biggest lessons living with chronic pain taught me in 2021 is that it’s not my job to make people understand or care about what I’m going through.

For a while, I felt it was so important to drum it into people’s heads that I’m genuinely in pain and somehow try to force them to care.

woman sitting on couch

Over time, that drained my energy and brought about so much disappointment and resentment towards those who didn’t want to listen.

I decided enough was enough.

I’ve learnt that you can’t force people to understand or care if they don’t want to. I distanced myself from certain people to protect my peace.

It was tough at first. But by the end of the year, I felt less stressed and a lot happier.

To connect more with the chronic illness community

As I previously mentioned, I finally took the plunge in 2021 and started my Instagram account.

I was hesitating for so long because, to be honest, I’m an introvert and find it hard to meet new people. But also, because being the ‘face’ of my blog was never my goal, it scared the hell out of me!

Once I joined Instagram, I came across so many amazing people in the chronic illness community and made so many great connections.

2021 Taught me how important it is to be amongst those you can relate to, whether it’s online or in person.

I received so much support, which felt amazing, but I felt even better supporting those going through similar things to me.

CAREER LESSONS I LEARNT BECAUSE OF CHRONIC PAIN

woman on couch writing in book

Although I’ve been self-employed for a while now, having worked in a traditional office setting for so long, it took a while to accept my new way of working.

I had to change the way I viewed working and to accept that it’s okay to go against the traditional route.

I truly learnt how important it is to adapt how I work that suit me and the way I manage my pain.

Here are the few of things I have to introduce or tweak:

  • Adapt my working hours to avoid burnout- no more traditional 9-5!
  • Schedule consistent breaks each day and practice self-care.
  • Be honest with myself and shut shop if I could feel my pain flaring up.
  • I was honest with those I work with about my chronic pain and what we can do to make partnering successful.
  • Stopped putting so much pressure on myself and accepted that it’s okay to put things on pause.
  • Not cramming too much work into one day.

MY PLANS TO MAKE 2022 A BETTER YEAR

woman writing on planner

We’re still in the first week of 2022, so I’m sure as the year goes by, my plans and goals will change.

For now, here are some things I plan to do this year to take charge of my health, lifestyle and happiness.

  • Take more time to do things I enjoy
  • Find a healthy balance between life, work and chronic pain
  • Make healthier choices and have healthier habits
  • Take each day as it comes and take more breaks
  • Be intentional and communicate what I want from life–career, relationships and health
  • Continue to advocate for myself and others living with chronic pain and chronic health conditions
  • Connect with more people within the chronic illness community and show them more support

WISHING YOU A HAPPY AND HEALTHY 2022!

woman clinking champagne glasses

Living with chronic pain or any chronic condition is never easy.

Most people look at the new year as a time to reset and start from scratch, but for those of us living with a chronic illness, it’s not that easy.

New year, new me just doesn’t apply to us.

But I believe we can make changes, no matter how small, to better manage our health. Which we can do by taking lessons not only from the previous year but from previous moments.

So I not only wish you a happy new year but a happy and healthy tomorrow! xx

I’d love to know the biggest lesson chronic pain/chronic illness taught you in 2021? Drop it in the comments below.

Pin to read later

Latest Posts

  • woman lying on bed in dark room
    Tired of Feeling Tired? 5 Ways to Combat Chronic Illness BurnoutJanuary 23, 2023
  • sad woman wearing party hat
    Surviving the Post-Christmas Blues: 10 Steps to Feeling BetterJanuary 16, 2023
  • pink sunset
    Thief of Joy – How Chronic Pain Almost Stole My PurposeSeptember 22, 2022

Filed in: My Chronic Diary • by thechronicdiary • Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

ABOUT ME

Author Photo

Hi, I'm Keisha and I'm here to give you an honest insight into what it's like living with chronic pain. I share my personal diary of experiences along with pain management, self care and personal development tips.

READ MORE

contact me

  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Get Your Free Chronic Pain Tracker

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

.

Search The Blog

Categories

  • Chronic Illness
  • Gift Guides
  • My Chronic Diary
  • Pain Management
  • Personal Development
  • Self Care

Unlock the freebie library

Sign up to access the Freebie Library filled with resources you can make use of today!

You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Your password for the freebie library is on it's way :).

.

Popular Posts

woman standing in field

Living With Chronic Pain – How to Stop Chasing a Diagnosis

woman lying on bed in dark room

Tired of Feeling Tired? 5 Ways to Combat Chronic Illness Burnout

sad woman wearing party hat

Surviving the Post-Christmas Blues: 10 Steps to Feeling Better

Follow me on Instagram

Chronic illness is a full-time job, with no off da Chronic illness is a full-time job, with no off days or vacations. Everything revolves around our health. 😓Over time, it can leave you feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or even depressed. 

That’s what led me to take such a long break from the blog and socials! 

It took me a long time to shake that feeling. But one thing I know for certain is, I never want to feel like that again and I don’t want you to either. 

But things get tricky when you have a chronic illness. It’s here to stay. We can’t hit the kill switch on our illness. So how on earth are we supposed to ‘recharge’? 

It’s something I’ve been trying to figure out for the longest…

In this week’s blog post, I’ve put together some helpful strategies that have helped me, and will hopefully help you, deal with burnout. 

I break down what chronic illness burnout is, some signs to look out for, as well as some simple things you can do to combat it. 

I hope you find it helpful! Link in Bio.

#chronicpainblog #pelvicpain #chronicpainawareness #chronicpaintips #chronicillnesstips #chronicillnesslife #chronicillnesswarrior #flareup #spooniesupport #spooniecommunity #chronicillnessawareness #mentalhealthmatters #burnout #burnoutawareness
Saying 'NO' or setting boundaries when you have a Saying 'NO' or setting boundaries when you have a long term illness can be hard. It can make you feel like a bitch or even a little guilty.But sometimes it's necessary in order for you to prioritise your health.

Here are few kind ways you can say no without feeling guilty.

What other ways do you say no? Drop it in the comments 👇🏾 

#settingboundaries #nomeansno #spoonie #chronicpain #chronicpainflareup #chronicillnesscommunity #pelvichealth #pelvicpainsyndrome #boundaries #chronicillnessawareness #chronicillnessblogger #chronicpainawareness #endo #pelvis #chronicpainsupport #chronicpainsupport #illness #chronicillnesslife #spooniecommunity #spoonielife #sickofbeingsick #chronicallyill
Todays officially the worst day of year..aka Blue Todays officially the worst day of year..aka Blue Monday. I don’t really believe in it but I get the idea. 

I do know that things can feel a little ‘blah’ and dreary around this time of year. 

The holidays are over, and with them can come a wave of sadness. The decorations have been taken down; the presents have been opened, and all that's left is to face the reality of January and the cold winter months ahead.

You might feel a little down, anxious or disorientated. You’re not alone, so many of us are feeling the same right now!

So after a long break,I’ve finally gotten my writing juices flowing again, and put together some tips to help shake off the post-Christmas blues, and start feeling happy again!

I’d love for you to check it out. Link in bio. 

#bluemonday #bluemonday💙 #postchristmasblues #holidayblues #mentalhealthmatters #selfcare #januaryblues #newyearnewgoals #chronicpainsucks #mentalhealthmatters#chronicillnesscommunity #chronicillnessawareness #chronicillnessblogger #chronicpainblogger #blog # #illness #chronicillnesslife #spoonielife #chronicallyill
Bad days come and go, but they don’t last foreve Bad days come and go, but they don’t last forever. 

If you’re having a shit day, just remember better days are on their way! 💜🤗💜

#reminders#selflove #mentalhealthmatters #spoonie #chronicpainflareup #chronicillnesscommunity #wellness #chronicillnessblogger #chronicpainquotes #chronicpainsupport #illness #chronicillnesslife #spooniecommunity #spoonielife #sickofbeingsick #chronicallyill
Rest,Rest,Rest...😴 If you live with chronic pa Rest,Rest,Rest...😴

If you live with chronic pain or illness, you come to realise how important rest actually is❗️

It's the one thing we need to keep going.

However, in a world where 'maximising your time' and productivity hacks are shoved down our throats, particularly at this time of year (New year, new me and all that shit). It's easy to feel you're wasting time or not doing enough by prioritising rest. 

But I'm here to say fuck that! 🖕🏾

Rest when we need it can NEVER be a waste of time!

It's an investment...! Particularly if you have pain or any health condition!

Rest is our time to destress, detach and escape from all things thrown our way, health or life-related.

Let's stop punishing ourselves, or feeling guilty about resting. Instead, let's consider it the best investment we'll ever make... into ourselves!😉

 #chronicpain #chronicpainsucks #spoonie #chronicpainflareup #chronicillnesscommunity #pelvicpainsyndrome#chronicillnessawareness #chronicillnessblogger #chronicpainawareness #chronicpainsupport #chronicpainsupport #illness #chronicillnesslife #spooniecommunity #sickofbeingsick #chronicallyill
Progress is progress...😏👌🏾 #chronicpain Progress is progress...😏👌🏾

 #chronicpain #chronicpainquotes #spoonie #chronicpainflareup #chronicillnesscommunity #pelvicpainsyndrome#chronicillnessawareness #chronicillnessblogger #chronicpainawareness #chronicpaincommunity #chronicpainsupport #chronicpainsupport #illness #chronicillnesslife #spooniecommunity #spoonielife #chronicallyillwarrior
Having a good support system is super important wh Having a good support system is super important when you have chronic pain or any long term illness.

The people we keep around us can have such an impact on both our mental and physical health. Which is why it’s important to choose wisely when building your support circle. 

Your support system doesn’t have to be loads of people either and it can consist of whoever you choose. 

Often times those closest too us have a hard time accepting our pain or feelings and don’t provide us with the support we need. 

So…although it’s hard, don’t be afraid to find your support elsewhere.

Whether it’s someone from the chronic illness community online, a childhood friend, or your therapist….My DM’s are also always open if you in need of someone to talk to. 💜💜

What types of people do need in your support system? 

#chronicpain #supportspoonies #supportsystem #mentalhealthmatters #spoonie #chronicpainflareup #chronicillnesscommunity #chronicillnessawareness #chronicillnessblogger #chronicpainsupport #chronicpain
Wishing you all a happy, pain tolerable new year! Wishing you all a happy, pain tolerable new year! May this year be better than the last. 🥂💜

#chronicpain #2023 #chronicpainsucks #mentalhealthmatters #spoonie #chronicpainflareup #chronicillnesscommunity #pelvichealth #pelvicpainsyndrome#chronicillnessawareness #chronicillnessblogger #chronicpainawareness #endo #chronicpainsupport #chronicpainsupport #illness #chronicillnesslife #spooniecommunity #spoonielife #sickofbeingsick #chronicallyill
🎄 It’s officially Christmas week! Can you bel 🎄 It’s officially Christmas week! Can you believe it😳? 

Most people look forward to the season, jam-packed with celebrations, spending time with their loved ones and yearly traditions. 

‼️ But for those of us with chronic pain and illness, it can be the time of year we look forward to the least.

As much as we try our best to enjoy ourselves, we always have to consider our health.No matter how much we try to put on a cheerful face, our pain is still there.

Our symptoms don’t take a break because it’s Christmas‼️

So, here are some tips to help you manage your pain/illness this Christmas week. 

🤞🏾Everyone’s experience with chronic pain/illness is different, so not every tip will apply. But hopefully, there'll be something you find helpful. 

#chronicpain #chronicpainsucks #christmashealth #spoonie #chronicpainflareup #chronicillnesscommunity #pelvichealth #pelvicpainsyndrome#chronicillnessawareness #chronicillnessblogger #chronicpainawareness #endo #chronicpainsupport #chronicpainsupport #illness #chronicillnesslife #spooniecommunity #spoonielife #sickofbeingsick #chronicallyill #spooniechristmas

follow me on pinterest

Download Your Free Chronic Pain Tracker

You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

.

Quick Links

ABOUT

CONTACT

PRIVACY POLICY

DISCLOSURE

Copyright © 2023 · The Chronic Diary | Theme by Blog Pixie

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. By clicking "Accept", you are agreeing to our use of cookies. AcceptReject Cookie Policy
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
  • Home
  • About
  • Pain Management
  • My Chronic Diary
  • Self Care
  • Personal Development
  • Gift Guides
  • FREEBIE LIBRARY