Living with and managing chronic illness can feel like walking a tightrope: balancing health, work, and personal life with care and intention. For me, the journey toward wellness hasn’t been about perfection, but about learning to listen to my body, set boundaries, and redefine success.
The Wake-Up Call
My diagnosis came after years of suffering. While it was a relief to finally understand what I was going through, it was also scary to think about what lay ahead, especially how to navigate both my personal and professional life. My mindset had always been to push through fatigue, ignore symptoms, and convince myself that rest could wait. But managing chronic illness can’t wait. It forced me to pause and re-evaluate everything, starting with how I approached work.
Redefining Productivity
One of the first lessons I learned was that productivity isn’t just about hours clocked. It’s about managing energy. I began structuring my day around my body’s natural rhythms: tackling high-focus tasks during peak energy times and giving myself permission to rest when needed.
Building Wellness into My Routine
To support both my health and my work, I made intentional changes to my schedule. I started incorporating a mid-afternoon “productivity walk,” a short, energizing stroll to clear my mind and reduce stiffness from sitting too long. I also prioritized a real lunch break. No more skipping meals or eating at my desk. I began preparing and enjoying a quick and healthy meal away from my screen. These small changes haven’t just helped me feel better; they’ve become part of my routine. Knowing I’m doing what I can to support my wellness gives me a real sense of calm.
Pacing yourself, working flexibly, and staying comfortable? That’s part of the journey too.
Wellness Beyond Work
Outside of work, I committed to habits that support sustainable wellness: gentle movement, mindfulness, and regular follow-ups with my care team. These practices help me stay grounded and proactive about managing my health. For me, tools like virtual health coaching or using a digital wellness platform have made a meaningful difference, especially when support needs to flex around real-life energy and capacity. The ability to quickly jump into a healthy activity or just log info from my Fitbit all in one place is huge.
The Ongoing Journey
Wellness isn’t a destination. It’s a daily practice, and for me, a lifelong commitment. Some days are harder than others, but I’ve learned to celebrate progress over perfection. Managing chronic illness may be a part of my life, but it doesn’t define it. With compassion, flexibility, and support, I’ve found a way to thrive—at work and beyond.
