2024 Autoimmune Community Summit Session Recap
The body runs on stress, it's the natural way our body uses to know when and how to respond to a situation. While stress is necessary, too much of it can wreak havoc on your body. Giselle Rodriguez, a licensed social worker and Rebecca Gillett, an occupational therapist, teach us that daily practice and integration of self-management practices to release stress are necessary to cope on difficult days.
To cope with and get ahead of stress, you need a good routine. Here are components of a good routine:
Have a daily activity plan that includes 5+ hours of activity like walks or yoga. Get up and move if you sit for long periods of time.
Get your 8 hours of sleep.
Practice meditation and mindfulness. Practice pausing in the moment and guided meditations. Try apps like Insight Timer, Headspace and Calm.
Now that you have your routine set, what should you do on a difficult day?
Reframe wellness. Acknowledge that rest is part of your wellness plan and is required to heal.
Acknowledge the emotions you are feeling. It is ok to be frustrated or accept.
Have a kit of sensory things that energize you or boost your mood at the ready.
Ground yourself with the 5,4,3,2,1 technique.
Studies have shown that those who balance sitting, with sleep and activity have lower inflammation levels in their body and manage their stress levels better. Check out the resources below to get started on your wellness journey.
Recordings from the 2024 Autoimmune Community Summit are available on YouTube.
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