Coping with Limitations: Strategies for Self-Care

I have myself a good cry when things get too much. 😥 There are allot of things I can't do & I get upset about it. I try to stay positive & think about what I can do, but that doesn't always work. I make sure to tell my family how much I appreciate them. But, who am I kidding? I have not been handling my emotions well at all since I broke my leg. I have been keeping to myself allot, crying allot & just all around being crabby. I force myself to talk about it but that doesn't really help. My doctor increased my zoloft to counteract the side affects of cyclobenzaprine. I have been disabled since 2008 & breaking my leg just compounds everything into a raging ball of fury. I wish I had the magical answer to your question but in the end you have to find what makes you happy & find alternatives to what you are not able to do. For example, if you can't stand up long enough to cook then look into getting a stool or chair on wheels for the kitchen. Really, if you are creative & willing there are ways around things.

It’s been hard for me because I’ve always been someone who wanted to travel the world but I’m terrified of heights and planes and struggling to even drive far from my house right now. Hopefully someday I heal and can have some fun with my life

Decide what it is you really want to do then do it what ever it takes make it happen mine is being in good physical and mental health exercise stretching cardio eating clean daily

I grieve lately. I just want my functional quality of life back. I try hard to stay strong warrior. I'm hoping I'm candidate for deep brain surgery and get my life back. Just have to stay positive and strong. Plus great caregiver that's fun is a plus for me

Not very well. 😥

It's so hard to limit activities but it's the only way I cope. Like this weekend for instance there was a family reunion, a rodeo and an air show. I wanted to do all 3. I focused on the reunion and being present with my family. I ended up opting out of the rodeo that night and air show the next day. I spent my Sunday resting and rehydrating. Some days I feel left out and depressed. I allow myself to feel the frustration and try to plan a less demanding activity.

The Me that wants to do all the things I used to do fights with the Me who says just sit there and do nothing.

I get pretty aggravated having to shorten my to-do list to sometimes half or more or best yet, forget part of the to-dos. (High five on that-not!) I know I’m not 25 anymore, I’m just not a fan of being reminded of it everyday.

This is my biggest issue right now. I was always on the go. And now I can barely make it through a day of work. Then to come home to cook dinner etc..... it's dreadful!!!

Years ago, I used to get all bummed out because I was always on the go. I was always meeting deadlines at work and school. Plus I was a full time mom to 2 small children. I also took care of 2 ailing parents. I had to put me on the back burner. I pushed when i didn’t have it in me to push. I was HALTED one day. All of sudden, I woke up one morning with pains in both sides. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t move from the waist down. I had to have help to the bathroom and everything. Long story short I spent a month in the hospital. I had to learn to walk again and learn to do everyday living skills all over in rehab. I had to Learn to Ask for and Accept help. That was hard for me. I was the helper, the mender, the lender, the leader, etc… Try to focus on what you Can do. Let today take care of today!! Delegate if you can! Family and friends are more than happy to help more than you know. Take good care of yourself!!

It's hard. Not gonna lie I struggle with the fact I can't work or clean or have fun the way I should beable to at this age. I also should have a family by now I feel. But I also don't want children as I'm just as happy with my fur kids. (Sally the chug and Louie the special needs Chihuahua) someday it's harder than others but I try to see what I can actually do as good do you know what I mean? Having a hard time explaining it. Sorry.

Struggling with this as well, don't have any advice yet, but you're not alone. Feel free to reach out if you want to vent or anything

I don’t handle it. Just try to cope. I mowed my small yard this morning and I’m so tired I just want to lay down

I've learned to give up tasks to family or friends and just be. I am a mother of 3 and not able to be out as much as I used to. Just overall feeling exhausted sucks but the days I can I enjoy movement and being outside in the sun I do. Just take it one day at a time. 💕

It just blows. Every single day.