My #1 Secret to Surviving + Embracing Flare Days with 2 Chronic Illnesses
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Disclaimers : This is not medical advice or information and based on personal experience living with chronic illnesses. This site contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links.
One of the joys of chronic illness is FLARES. You might experience them as feeling like your insides are on fire, your joints are causing pain with every movement, zero energy, or a combo of a bunch of different things. That’s why I’ve taken a “if you can’t beat ‘em, join them” type of approach to my flares!
Living with chronic illness has its own challenges, but it doesn't mean a fulfilling life is out of reach. In fact, when you have systems and strategies in place, such as a Flare Box, you can navigate the ups and downs of chronic illness and live your best life! In this blog post, we'll explore the concept of a Flare Box, what to include in it, and how to use it effectively to save your spoons and maximize your well-being.
When I first started experiencing flares, it really took a toll on my mental and physical health. I knew that they were part of living with chronic illness, but I still managed to blame myself and feel embarrassed that I needed to take breaks or cancel plans. Creating a Flare Box was a strategy that my therapist and I came up with that has totally transformed how I approach flare days now!
This is something I do to embrace flares and give myself permission to check out and take care of my body when it needs support. I can’t wait to share this strategy with you, and hopefully you get super inspired to create your own!
What’s a Flare Box??
A Flare Box is a personalized collection of comforting items and activities designed to provide support and comfort during flares. It's a tangible way to create a routine around self-care and prioritize your well-being when you feel like curling up into the fetal position. Think of it as your personal toolkit to help you navigate the unpredictable nature of chronic illness!
One important piece of the Flare Box approach is the mindset around it. It’s totally NORMAL to have emotions that go every which way when you’re in flare mode. Sometimes it can even feel like this flare could last 5 -7 business days, right? Just make sure you don't blame yourself for being in pain, or push through the discomfort in order to make someone else happy.
Cancel your plans. Order in. Cry. Ask for support. Breathe. Whatever you need to do to make yourself comfortable is always a YES.
What to Include in Your Flare Box
Comfort: Fill your Flare Box with things that bring you comfort and soothe your body. This can include a soft blanket, bath salts, scented candles, a cozy hoodie, or anything that helps you relax. This is also a great place to keep a handwritten note or affirmations that you can read to remind yourself that you’ve made it through your toughest flare and you’ll make it through this one too.
Entertainment: Include your favourite things to watch/read that will give you joy. This could be your favourite movies, books, TV series, or even a list of uplifting podcasts to listen to. Obviously these won’t actually go IN the box, but if you keep a list on your Notes app to refer to when you need it (that way you don’t have to remember it – save those spoons!).
Nourishment: Add snacks or beverages that will help you feel better or that you only get to enjoy on flare days. This could be special popcorn, minty tea, or a plan to order from your fave sushi spot!
Creativity: Include items that help you express and process all the feelings, such as a journal, colouring books, or a Flare Day Spotify playlist you’ve created!
Communication: In your Notes app on your phone, you can create drafted text messages or emails that you can easily send to loved ones to let them know you’re in a flare or that you need to cancel plans/move things around. If you’re a caregiver, you might also want to have a plan in place to ask a trusted friend for help on days like these.
Top Tips for Using Your Flare Box to Its Full Potential
Having the Flare Box or flare plan in place is one thing, but it’s only going to work if you actually use it! Here’s how to make sure you’re always prepared to take on flare days feeling as calm and confident as possible:
Keep it stocked: Regularly replenish your Flare Box with fresh items, ensuring it's always ready for use during flare-ups.
Customize it to your needs: Tailor your Flare Box to your preferences, including items that resonate with you and provide comfort during a flare. It’s also fun to pick out a box or basket that’s beautiful, or one that you can decorate to fit your aesthetic.
Embrace self-care: Utilize your Flare Box as a reminder to prioritize self-care. Engage in activities that bring you joy and nourish your mind, body, and soul.
Practice acceptance: Use your Flare Box as a tool to help you accept and embrace the fluctuations in your health. Allow yourself to rest and recover without guilt.
Communicate your needs: Use the drafted messages in your Flare Box to communicate with your support system. Let them know about your flare and the support you need when you’re in flare mode.
How to Save Your Spoons + Live Your Best Life
Saving your spoons is essential for making the most out of the energy you have. Creating a Flare Box will help you save your spoons when you need it the most, which is why it’s one of my fave chronic illness hacks!
If you need more information about saving spoons with chronic illness, I highly recommend you check out this blog for alllll the juicy details!
When you’re in a flare, your Flare Box will support you (and you might even learn to embrace flares!), but you need a few other things in place to truly live your best life.
Prioritize your tasks by doing a Spoons Saver Audit, and come up with ways to use your energy more efficiently.
Set boundaries and protect your energy wherever possible.
Create routines and systems in your life that you can easily maintain and repeat.
Get 1:1 support from me, your Chronic Illness Bestie by booking a customized coaching session!
Remember, your journey is unique, and finding what works best for you is a MUST. With the right tools, support, and mindset, you can thrive and live your best life, even with chronic illness.
If this inspired you to create your own Flare Box, I’d absolutely LOVE if you took a photo of it and tagged me on Instagram @chronicallyillsociety!! I can’t wait to hear how creating a plan around your flare days makes you feel empowered and ready to take on flares with confidence.
