How To Have Family Time Despite Chronic Pain and Chronic Illness and Tips To Help
Having family time despite having chronic pain and chronic illness doesn’t have to be too hard. We often think “family time” means to be out and about doing what other “healthy” families are doing and that’s not always the case. Family time means spending time with your family, connecting with the ones that love you most. This means it could be cooking together, watching a movie together, playing a board game together, or just snuggled up on the couch talking. Family time is just being with each other and sharing in one another’s company.
My family time seems to be getting harder and harder lately, with my 2 oldest kids off to college and working and my youngest in the thick of high school. It seems like someone always has something going and we just can’t seem to connect like we used to. Recently when I found out no one had plans over a Saturday afternoon we decided to take advantage of it and meet up for lunch.
After lunch we decided to check out the coolest little outdoor coffee bar that had igloos! The igloos were heated inside too! Now living in Michigan and having CRPS, I know to dress in layers and have a purse full of things I may need if my pain decides to spike when I'm out (I'll be writing a post about that soon). We then drove around looking at the different buildings and Christmas lights.
It didn't cost very much and we were able to create some new memories. Everyone ended up going their separate ways afterwards, but it was fun to be spontaneous and picking something low-key to do was good in case my pain was high. Family time despite chronic pain and chronic illness can be done, you just have to set realistic expectations and plan for it.
Here are five tips to get you through a day out with your family despite chronic pain or chronic illness:
1) Pick Something You Know You Can Do - This one is important! Sometimes our mind likes to say "I can do that" but our bodies like to say "are you kidding me?" In this case listen to you body! Choose something within your limits.
2) Have a Plan B in case your pain spikes or you're having a hard day - This way you do not have to cancel, you can just bring it back to the house and be able to be comfortable while still being able to be with your loved ones.
3) If going out with the family, be prepared with extra medications - I keep extra medication on me at all times, this way if I start to feel the pain creep in I am prepared.
4) Wear the right outfit - If you know your going to do a lot of walking, maybe those cute boots can wait. Wearing layers to not get too hot or too cold and wear something you are comfortable in is key!
5) Lower you expectations - I can't tell you how many times my family just wings it. We just like to go with the flow, this way there is no set schedule and I don't have to worry about letting anyone down. We just go and have fun!
I would love to hear about what you do when you have family time. What have you found helpful when you go out or stay in with family?
How To Have Family Time Despite Chronic Pain and Chronic Illness and Tips To Help