Tips and Lists
The Arts Help You Live Well Even When You’re Not
Stress Reduction: Creating or experiencing art is relaxing and can reduce stress and anxiety levels. Stress can make symptoms worse, so managing stress helps manage the disease.
Emotional Expression: Art helps us access and express our emotions and thoughts. Exposure to the arts helps us understand the shared joy and pain of all humans and eases feelings of isolation and victimization.
Sense of Self: Exposure to and participation in the arts opens us to the wondering that must take place to invent new ways to live beyond our circumstances and renew our sense of self. We are able to see new and creative ways to live well, even if we’re not.
Sense of Agency: Chronic diseases can make us feel like we have lost control over our lives. Art gives us some sense of agency and control because we can choose what to create, how to create it, and when to do so.
Social Connection: Art can be a social activity that encourages us to connect with others who share our interests. This social interaction can lessen feelings of isolation, boost self-esteem, and provide a support system.
Pain Management: Art can serve as a distraction from pain or discomfort. Engaging in creative activities can divert attention away from symptoms. Some studies suggest that engaging in creative activities can increase the production of endorphins, which are natural painkillers. While not a substitute for medical treatments, this can complement pain management strategies.
Improving Cognitive Function: For diseases that affect cognitive function, engaging in artistic activities can help maintain cognitive skills and stimulate memory.
Enhancing Communication: For diseases that impair verbal communication, art can be a means of expression and communication. It allows us to convey thoughts and emotions in different ways.
Creating a Sense of Purpose: Art can provide a sense of purpose and motivation. It gives us something to look forward to and motivates us to start the day.
Ways To Support Someone with Chronic Illness or Pain
Ask how they are doing and listen. Dig a little deeper and reassure them that you really want to know.
Get outside with them if possible.
Ask about pet care – dog walking, taking their pet to the vet, etc.
Ask about their illness and what the impact is on their everyday lives.
Celebrate little victories with them – like being able to take a walk, participating in a hobby, etc.
Do something with them that they enjoy like cooking, watching a movie or TV show, playing cards or a game, or doing some art.
Grocery shop or help them access grocery delivery services (Shipt or Instacart), stores that deliver or pick up curbside delivery orders and help them put them away.
Organize freezer, refrigerator, and pantry
Freeze food in useable portions
Freeze food in flat containers or bags and label
Make a list of what’s in the freezer
What Not to Say to Someone with a Chronic Illness or Pain
· You look great!
· You don’t look sick.
· You look tired.
· Have you tried . . .?
· It’ll get better.
· It could be worse.
· I know how you feel. I had the flu/broken leg/knee replacement.
· You’re too young to be sick.
· Let me know if I can do anything.
· Are you sure it’s not stress?
Check-in with Yourself
Body
Am I respecting my body’s needs and limitations?
What hurts?
What doesn’t hurt?
Am I clinging to any unrealistic images of my physical self?
Am I remembering to breathe properly?
Are my muscles tense?
How can I engage in exercise while I’m at home?
Mind
Am I stuck in a negative pattern of thinking?
Can I forgive myself for negative thoughts and feelings?
Can I reframe the problem? For example, My life stinks! I have to have another surgery, can be changed to - I will have less pain and be able to do more things.
How can I reach out to others even if I can’t visit in person?
What have I done for fun lately?
What’s good in my life?
Spirit
Am I able to see the Divine revealed in myself, others, and the world around me?
Am I mirroring the Divine’s love in my love for myself, others, and nature?
Check-in for a Partner of Someone Living with a Chronic Illness
Body
Am I respecting my body’s needs and limitations?
Am I remembering to breathe properly?
Are my muscles tense?
When was the last time I exercised?
Am I relying on food or drink for comfort?
Mind
Am I stuck in a negative pattern of thinking?
Can I forgive myself for negative thoughts and feelings?
What assumptions am I making about my life?
What assumptions am I making about my partner?
What have I done for fun lately?
What's good in my life?
Spirit
Am I able to see the Divine revealed in myself, others, and the world around me?
Am I mirroring the Divine's love in my love for myself, others, and nature?
