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I’m not interested in debating about masks. But I do think it’s very important to talk about social distancing with a chronic condition.

It’s not something everyone has to think about, and that’s a good thing. It is, however, something you likely are dealing with.

In fact, that’s where the inspiration for this post came. In various ways, women started private messaging me with questions like, “This has been hard. Do you have any thoughts on social distancing with a chronic condition?”

I do, so I wanted to share them with you.

Social Distancing with a Chronic Condition

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First, I think it’s important to make note that social distancing with a chronic condition can be both positive and hard. And they can also happen simultaneously.

So, with that, I’ll address both.

Social Distancing is Easy with a Chronic Condition

For some, social distancing is easy with a chronic condition. Here are some of the reasons why:

1. Heal at home, no obligations

   Being out and about can make it very challenging to heal. You know, healing for many is best in a good old bubble. 🙂 When you’re at home, you can focus on healing instead of distractions. Honestly, this was a huge part of my own healing journey, especially in the beginning.

2. Always protected via mask

   But let’s say you are more of an extrovert and really need to be out and about with others. If you have a chronic condition and are worried about your own illness or the illness presently surrounding us all, then having the mask can be a huge sigh of relief. Back to that “bubble” I mentioned above. Wearing a mask is like having your own little bubble 24/7, and now, it’s completely accepted (even applauded) in public settings.

3. Don’t have to worry about social situations

   Way back when (in 2014), I wrote a post around Colitis and Social Settings. In the post I stated, “I am trying so hard to wrap my head around all of this today because I don’t know the answers, and I don’t have the solutions to being social without getting sick. Listen, I don’t want to be so bizarre. I don’t like when people assume that I’m afraid of food and social situations because I’m “dieting.” I am neither. In fact, I’m far from it, but perception is reality…..and I really, really hate it.” You likely know this exact feeling. Well, right now you have an “easy out” from this.

Social Distancing is Hard with a Chronic Condition

But let’s not pretend social distancing with a chronic condition is all roses and sunshine.

I am not an extrovert, but those of you who are are finding this season even harder than before. And this I know because you are telling me so – almost daily.

First, all the hugs in the world to you. Seriously!

Take all the things that make social distancing with a chronic condition and flip them upside down.

This is you.

• Healing at home with no obligations is hard. It’s hard because you were already doing that and now you are forced to do it even more.
• Maybe you already have “other” things you must do and wear due to your condition (J-pouch, loose-fitting pants, service dog, etc.) and now you also have to wear the mask. It’s just one more thing to add to the list.
• You might not have to worry about social settings, but you need them. You are not built for healing in a silo. And that silo is making you even more anxious and sad.

How to deal with social distancing with a chronic condition

No matter which camp from above you fall into (easy or hard), here are some ways to deal with social distancing with a chronic condition:

1. Honor your body

   Only you know the severity of your condition. While there are rules upon rules currently, only you can know what is best for your own body. Do, be, and move in the ways that are comfortable and comforting to you.

2. Honor your feelings

   Laugh, cry, scream, or do them all in one setting. It’s okay. You honor what you’re feeling. What you don’t feel is very hard to heal.

3. Work on a negative and positive sheet

   Alright, here is an exercise everyone can do. Get out a sheet of paper – or use the “Notes” section in your 90-day gut healing journal (!). On the top write, “Spinning My Social Distancing Story.” Then, on the left side write, “Old Story.” On the right side write, “New Story.” Everyone’s negatives and positives will be different. The goal is to take any negative thoughts you currently have about social distancing with a chronic condition and spin it to something more positive. Seriously, mindset is everything; it changes gut healing.

Finally, remember that this won’t last forever.

Do what you can with what you have. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to the solution for social distancing with a chronic condition.

The most important thing is to keep yourself as healthy and well as possible. You might not make huge healing strides right now, but that’s okay.

The healing journey is not linear anyways. Consider this, like everything else, just part of your journey.

I’d love to hear from you. How are you doing? Is this hard or easy for you?

If you liked this post, you might also enjoy:

1. 12 Science-Backed Ways to Boost Your Immune System
2. Immune Boosting Gut Health Support
3. The Emotional Side of Illness

Disclosure: This is a paid, sponsored post in partnership with Providence St. Joseph Health. Learn more about plus connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram. All opinions started here are 100% my own. I appreciate your support, as this compensation helps with expenses to keep this website up and running, and for me to continue sharing all that I can with you. For my full disclaimer and disclosure click HERE. Thank you for your support!

Xox,
SKH