Living Well

Living Well

Living with Chronic Fatigue: Conserving and Managing Energy Levels

Chronic fatigue can feel overwhelming, but with strategies like pacing yourself, practicing good sleep hygiene, and understanding your limits, you can regain control and improve your quality of life.

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How to Explain Invisible Symptoms to Others

It can be difficult for loved ones to understand the impact of symptoms they can't see. Using relatable analogies, being vulnerable, and other strategies can help make such symptoms more real for them.

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Finding Warmth in Cold Months: Overcoming Isolation with Chronic Illness

When we're struggling with a chronic illness or a flare-up, it can be tempting to stay inside our homes and inside ourselves, especially as the weather turns colder outside. But isolation can often make things even worse. Try one of these strategies for staying connected, even if you’re not quite ready to venture outdoors.

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How Hydration Helps with My Scalp Psoriasis

Discovering the power of hydration transformed how I manage my psoriasis, easing symptoms and improving my skin. Here are the tips that help me stay hydrated and find relief.

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My Favorite Anti-Inflammatory Recipes for Holiday Festive Feasts

From a roasted turkey to vibrant veggie sides, these dishes are perfect for a festive, health-conscious celebration.

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9 Ways Connecting to the Senses Can Make Life More Meaningful with Chronic Illness

Connecting to the present moment through the senses can make life richer, even in difficult circumstances.

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Patience, Perseverance, and Luck: Ardra’s Entrepreneurship Story

While medically retired, Ardra Shephard blogged about multiple sclerosis like it was her full-time job. Here's how it led her to a podcast, TV show, and book deal.

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14 Lessons I Learned from My Psoriasis Patients

As a nurse practitioner, I’ve witnessed the incredible strength of my psoriasis patients. Their journeys have taught me invaluable lessons in self-love, resilience, and embracing life to the fullest, no matter the challenges.

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Job Satisfaction Beyond Health: Finding the Right Workplace Fit with a Chronic Illness

In this Patients Getting Paid column, Kathy Reagan Young unpacks why workplace culture matters for your health and shares tips for finding a company that fits.

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Convenient Thanksgiving Meals to Help You Enjoy the Holiday with Less Stress

Planning a feast can be exhausting, especially when living with a chronic condition. From convenient meal options to simple hosting tips, discover ways to make holiday gatherings more manageable and stress-free.

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Finding Balance: Working and Resting with Chronic Fatigue and Brain Fog 

Fatigue and brain fog from chronic illnesses can put a serious damper on your productivity. Whether you're trying to tackle work, personal projects, or just have a social life, it can sometimes be difficult to get through everything. With a little flexibility and adaptation, though, I've found the following hacks help.

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Celebrating Life’s Milestones with Chronic Illness: How to Avoid the Overwhelm

Planning a wedding, a coming-of-age party, or any other big social function can take a toll on anyone's energy. Here's how to do that with a chronic illness like multiple sclerosis — without exacerbating symptoms.

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Culinary Medicine: 10 Herbs and Spices That Help Reduce Inflammation

Herbs and spices like garlic, turmeric, and ginger may help reduce inflammation, among other whole-body health benefits. Here's how to use them in the kitchen.

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Supporting Employees with Chronic Illness: Quick Guide to Employee Assistance Programs

Many large companies offer counseling services and health resources to employees. If you're self-insured, your insurance company may offer a similar program.

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Psoriasis-Friendly Snacks for Halloween

Halloween brings plenty of fun and sweets, but certain treats may aggravate your psoriasis. Check out these unique and psoriasis-friendly options to celebrate the season without risking your skin.

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Don’t Let Chronic Illness Scare Away the Fun: Alternatives to Trick-or-Treating

Some years, I can’t take my kids trick or treating due to weakness or fatigue. But we have lots of other tricks up our sleeves to make the holiday spooktacular.

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What Is Emotional Competence, and How Can It Help You Manage Chronic Illness?

Emotional competence, or feeling, expressing, and coping with emotions effectively, can make managing chronic illness easier. Here's how to get there.

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My Favorite Anti-Inflammatory Recipes for the Fall

Discover easy, convenient, and delicious anti-inflammatory recipes perfect for fall. These simple meal ideas are packed with nutrients, making them ideal for anyone looking to support their skin health and overall wellness.

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Prebiotics and Probiotics: Quick Guide to Feeding Your Gut

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria and prebiotics are food for these bacteria. Eating foods with both can help balance your gut and lead to other health benefits.

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Can Meditation Help My Psoriasis?

By reducing stress, meditation can be a powerful tool in managing psoriasis flare-ups and improving overall well-being. Read on for the science and some practical tips for beginners looking to start their meditation journey.

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How to Build a Better Workday

Here’s how Bezzy MS guide Kathy Reagan Young pursues her health and professional goals at the same time.

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How to Follow a Mediterranean Diet for Psoriasis

The Mediterranean diet is known to help with inflammation, which may help ease your psoriasis symptoms. Here's how to follow this regimen with a sample day's menu!

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What to Know About Plant-Based Protein

Here's what to know about plant-based protein and how to incorporate it into a healthy diet.

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Navigating Accessibility: A Review of the Friendly Like Me App

This app can help you find the accommodations you need at local restaurants, events, and more.

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How Finding Your Flow with Immersive Activities Can Help You Live with Chronic Illness

Activities that improve health, well-being, and a sense of meaning can help you find meaning during chronic illness.

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Balancing Act: Tips for Managing Time and Stress with a Chronic Illness

Bezzy MS guide Kathy Reagan Young shares her tips and tools for balancing time and stress when working with a chronic illness.

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Does Psoriasis Put Me at Risk for Heart Disease?

Research suggests that some people with psoriasis may have a higher risk of heart disease. Learn the potential links and how to reduce your chances of developing cardiovascular disease.

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How Much Water Do I Really Need to Drink?

Registered dietitian Christine Byrne explains why drinking water is important and how to figure out your daily hydration needs.

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How Emotional Repression Impacts Chronic Illness, Plus How to Make Peace with Powerful Feelings

Being mindful of negative emotions can grant you the freedom to choose how you respond to chronic illness and life. 

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5 Water-Rich Foods That Help You Stay Hydrated

Watermelon, cucumbers, and yogurt are water-rich foods that can help you stay hydrated. Here's why hydration matters when you live with a chronic condition.

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A Conversation with Pop Icon Cyndi Lauper and Chef Michelle Bernstein about Life with PsO and PsA

Cyndi Lauper and Michelle Bernstein are legends when it comes to the worlds of entertainment and hospitality. The women share their journeys with with PsO and PsA.

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Why You Should Eat More Nuts

Nuts contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health and help reduce inflammation. Here's how to add them to your diet.

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My Go-To Items for Comfort and Relief from My Psoriasis

From clothing to skin care, these items make up my everyday toolkit for relief from my symptoms.

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Navigating the Workplace with Chronic Illness: How to Advocate for Yourself and Others 

In this column, Kathy Reagan Young shares advice on how to raise awareness about chronic conditions and advocate for accommodations in the workplace.

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My Routine as a Working Mom with Two Kids and a Chronic Condition

This is my routine balancing two kids, a job, self-care, and a chronic condition.

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How to Prepare for a Summer Trip with Psoriasis

Packing ample medication, bringing comfortable clothing, and protecting yourself from the sun are some of the ways you can better manage your condition on your next vacation.

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My Grocery Guide for Building a Psoriasis-Friendly Pantry

These food items help me manage my health and are also just delicious. Read on for my go-to list when it’s time for a food shop.

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Am I Getting Enough Protein?

Registered dietitian Christine Byrne explains why eating protein is important and how to add more to your diet.

Living Well

Resisting the Lure of Toxic Positivity While Chronically Ill

It’s easy to fall prey to toxic positivity, refusing to acknowledge your true feelings. While toxic positivity may be well-meaning, finding coping mechanisms that work for you may look a little different.

Living Well

Feel-Good Fuel: 10 Yummy Foods to Boost Your Mood

Foods rich in omega-3s and antioxidants can boost your mood by supporting your brain and reducing inflammation.

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PsO Advocacy Spotlight: Bree Pease

Bree's journey with psoriasis has inspired a meaningful career dedicated to uplifting and inspiring people struggling to feel beautiful in their own skin.

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Can PsO Make You More Likely to Get Sick?

While it's unclear if psoriasis actually weakens your immune system, there are some associated health risks to be aware of.

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What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?

Here's what to know about ultra-processed foods, how they can affect your health, and how to spot them.

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5 Foods to Lower Triglycerides

Filling your diet with fatty fish, soy protein, and other whole foods can help lower triglyceride levels. Here’s how to get more of them in your diet.

Living Well

How Music Can Level Up Your Next Walk

Listening to music can boost your mood and make walking feel easier. Check our feel-good song recommendations for your next walk around the block.

Living Well

How Rejecting the Hollywood Ending Has Helped Me Cope With MS

I used to be annoyed by movies with sappy, happily-ever-after endings. Then, I discovered the wisdom and realism in indie films and older flicks and found they had a lot to teach me about coping with a chronic illness.

Living Well

6 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfasts to Start Your Day

Eating antioxidant-rich foods can help reduce inflammation and kickstart your morning. Here are 6 anti-inflammatory breakfast recipes to get started.

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What Self-Care Means When You Live with a Chronic Condition

It can be hard to prioritize your own needs when it feels like your body has let you down. But self-care is important for those living chronic conditions.  

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10 Ways I Plan to Improve My Well-Being Without Making New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s resolutions are overrated. Besides, many of us with chronic illnesses have already done the hard work of making healthy lifestyle adjustments. Here are some nonresolutions that just might make us feel happier in the new year.

Living Well

Living My Faith: How Spirituality Helps Me Cope with Chronic Illness

MS has helped me find a new connection to God, and with it, new purpose, community, gratitude, and more.

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The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Psoriasis Warriors

If you need ideas for your wish list or shopping list, look no further. Here are 10 items that would make great gifts for any psoriasis warrior.

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Workplace Stress Worsened My Chronic Illness

My Crohn's disease came out of remission after 10 years, and I believe workplace stress played a major role. Here's how I handled it.

Living Well

8 Lifestyle Changes That Can Help You Manage Your Psoriasis

Diet and medication are just two of the ways you can help relieve your symptoms. Read on to discover a wider variety of tips.

Living Well

How to Find Meaning After Grieving the Former You

After my diagnosis, it took time to accept my new life. But I still struggled to understand its meaning. The sixth stage of grief helped me find meaning.

Living Well

Building Self-Love When Living with Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis can make developing self-love a high intensity challenge. These tips will help you foster self-love and confidence.

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Avoiding Post-Holiday Flares by Planning Ahead

Here’s how planning ahead for holiday celebrations can help you reduce stress and enjoy the season.

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Ask the Dietitian: Anti-Inflammatory Smoothies for Psoriatic Arthritis

Drinking smoothies is a convenient and delicious way to increase your intake of anti-inflammatory ingredients that may benefit psoriatic arthritis. These anti-inflammatory smoothies are as nutritious as they are delicious.

Living Well

17 Great Chronically Ill and Disabled Content Creators to Follow

There are countless chronic condition and disability advocates on social media committed to spreading awareness and breaking down stigma. Here are 17 who are making an incredible impact.

Living Well

How Movement Became My Medicine

I was only 4 years old when I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Slowly but surely I started to understand the consequences of missing playtime and not moving my body.

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Gardening Is My Mindfulness Practice of Choice — Here’s Why

Watching my plants grow and bloom, as well as the benefits of grounding, are just some of the ways gardening teaches me to be more mindful for my chronic illness.

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11 Ways to Get Involved This Psoriasis Action Month

August is Psoriasis Action Month. With over 100 million people worldwide affected by psoriasis, this month of awareness and action is something that touches many.

Living Well

A Public Health Crisis: Preventing Loneliness in Chronic Illness

Loneliness is more prevalent than ever in the U.S. — and people with chronic illness are likely familiar with it. Here's how to stay socially connected even when symptoms or flare-ups get in your way.

Living Well

How ASMR Can Benefit People with Chronic Illness

If you live with a chronic illness, ASMR may help you feel relaxed, comforted, or even relieved from chronic pain. But triggers aren't the same for everyone.

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Summer with Psoriasis: Tips for Leading with Confidence

While many people look forward to getting outdoors and being more active in the warmer summer months, if you have PsO, you know that warmer weather can mean more skin exposure and more anxiety about your appearance.

Living Well

Consistency Is Overrated

Consistency helps us feel safe and reduces anxiety. But it also can create unreasonable expectations. Here’s how to redefine consistency (and success) so you’re OK with the ebbs and flows of life.

Living Well

The Mindflight Journal: A Journal for Chronic Illness

Meet Nicole and Aisley, the mom and daughter partnership behind the Mindflight Journal. Building from their own experiences, they've designed a journal for those living with chronic illnesses. Trust me, it's a game-changer.

Living Well

The Importance of Being a Hustle Culture Dropout When You’re Chronically Ill

The constant pressure to go-go-go took a toll on both my physical and mental health. Then I realized I could opt out.

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How the Spoon Theory Helps Me Explain My Health

It can be hard to explain the way that a chronic condition impacts your daily energy. The spoon theory is a clever way to help get the point across.

Living Well

Realistic Approaches to Setting Resolutions When You Live with a Chronic Condition

Living with a chronic condition often means working within your body’s parameters, which can mean editing your expectations. Always give yourself grace and remember that your New Year’s resolutions — if you choose to set them — don’t have to “match” anyone else’s. They only have to feel helpful to you.

Living Well

Simple Tips for Better Holidays with Psoriasis

Managing your psoriasis symptoms can come with additional challenges during the holidays. A little research and preparation can make those challenges feel manageable.

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The Reality of Navigating the Modeling Industry While Living with Psoriasis

How a modeling career empowered one community member to stop hiding her psoriasis, and start celebrating it.

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Tips for Getting Active with Psoriasis 

Exercise will benefit you mentally and physically, and can help to manage psoriasis flares, but if you are new to exercising, you may be wondering how to get started.

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Your Holiday Gift Guide for Spoonies, by Spoonies

These gift ideas, from seven small businesses run by people living with chronic conditions, will help make this holiday season even more festive.

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How I Navigate Professional Life While Living with a Chronic Illness

When I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), I was terrified that my career was over. These tips helped me adapt my work life so that I could excel.

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How to Set and Achieve Your Goals with Chronic Illness

Managing your chronic illness on top of life's everyday tasks can be overwhelming. These tips can help you find the motivation and inspiration you need to reach your goals.

Living Well

Ask the Dietitian: How Does a Plant-Based Diet Work for Psoriasis?

Laura Krebs-Holm, a dietitian living with psoriasis, digs into what the research says about a plant-based diet for psoriasis.

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When You Don’t Live with a Chronic Condition, You Don’t See the Full Picture

Some of the most difficult parts of living with chronic illness are the aspects that others don't see.

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The Financial Burden of Psoriasis

From medications and treatments to specialist visits and travel costs, managing a lifelong condition can come at a heavy financial toll.

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How the Cost of Psoriasis Extends Beyond the Financial

There are many costs associated with living with a lifelong condition, including time, lifestyle, and mental health impacts.

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Psoriatic Arthritis Glossary: 47 Terms You Should Know

Knowledge really is power. Knowing the language of PsA is the first step to managing it.

Living Well

What Should I Know about Dairy and Psoriasis?

You don't need to avoid dairy in your diet if you live with psoriasis, according to dietitian Laura Krebs-Holm. Here's why.

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5 Lessons from the Pandemic That Promote Inclusivity

We can continue to learn from the pandemic and encourage inclusivity in our everyday practices.

Living Well

Surviving the Summer When You Live with Psoriasis

Summer can be a daunting time for people with psoriasis. Between higher temperatures — a common flare trigger — and people opting to show more skin, the summer months can be tricky to navigate.

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What Should I Know About Sugar and Psoriasis?

Dietitian Laura Krebs-Holm discusses the connection between psoriasis flares, inflammation, and sugar.

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Ask the Dietitian: What Anti-Inflammatory Dessert Options Can I Try This Summer?

Laura Krebs-Holm, a dietitian living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, shares six of her favorite fruit-forward summer dessert options.

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Ask the Dietitian: Can I Drink Alcohol If I Live with Psoriasis?

There is some research about the link between drinking alcohol and psoriasis but a lot remains unknown. Laura Krebs-Holm, a dietitian living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, dives deep into what the research says about psoriasis and alcohol intake.

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Ask the Dietitian: What Do I Need to Know About Gluten and Psoriasis?

Laura Krebs-Holm, a dietitian living with psoriasis, dives into what the research says about gluten and psoriasis.

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5 Tips for Safe Backcountry Adventures When You’re Living with a Chronic Condition

Wherever you're starting out on your outdoor recreation journey, these five tips from experienced, outdoorsy chronic illness warriors will help you find your way.

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Belief, Choice, and Self-Love: My Guide to Finding Balance While Living with Psoriasis

These three pillars have been critical for my healing journey with psoriasis.

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6 Tips for Setting Nutrition Goals When You Live with a Chronic Condition

6 Tips for Setting Nutrition Goals When You Live with a Chronic Condition

Living Well

More Than Skin-Deep: 8 Fashion and Beauty Bloggers with Psoriasis Share Their Best Secrets

From bentonite clay baths to green concealer, here are the psoriasis-taming tricks the top bloggers swear by.

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How Chronic Illness Helped Me Cultivate Better Reading Habits

Through bibliotherapy I've learned that books can offer greater insight and healing than I ever imagined, as long as I pay attention.

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The Value of Pursuing Hobbies When You’re Living with a Chronic Illness

Finding activities that you’re passionate about and can enjoy despite your condition can lead to a richer life.

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How to Be Your Own Best Advocate When You’re Living with a Chronic Illness

Good self-advocacy in medical settings requires a complicated balance of confidence and humility.

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How Living with Chronic Illness Has Helped Improve My Relationship with My Body

Whether you live with a chronic illness or not, living in a body is a complex experience.

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The Benefits of Gratitude When You’re Living with a Chronic Illness

Shifting to an attitude of gratitude can be the difference between surviving and truly thriving.

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Why I Choose Positivity in the Face of Chronic Illness

My mantra, 'living a positive life while chronically ill,' feels more necessary now than it ever has.