Behind every chronic illness is just a person trying to find their way in the world. We want to find love and be loved and be happy just like you. We want to be successful and do something that matters. We’re just dealing with unwanted limitations in our hero’s journey. – Glenn Schweitzer
Finding balance in life can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the challenges of managing work, studies, endometriosis, and maintaining a healthy marriage, family or social life. As an individual navigating this intricate web, I understand the struggles and complexities that arise.
In this blog post, I will share my personal experiences, highlighting the flare-ups, difficulties of working while on strong pain medication, the pursuit of growth and development, and the importance of self-care and rest. Join me on this journey as we uncover practical tips to effectively balance work, studies, and endometriosis while nurturing relationships and prioritising well-being.
Flare-ups and Challenges: Living with endometriosis means dealing with unpredictable flare-ups and pain and that’s one of the biggest challenges that I face. When a flare-up happens, everything else takes a backseat. It becomes difficult to focus on work, studies, or even my relationship with my spouse. Balancing everything becomes even more challenging during these episodes. Flare-ups are unpredictable, and it can be challenging to plan ahead for them. It is essential to communicate openly with employers, professors, and colleagues about your condition and seek support and flexibility when needed. Sometimes, most times, that’s just the best that you can do.
Navigating Work with Medication: Another issue that I face is working while on strong pain medication. Sometimes, the pain is so intense that I need to take medication just to be able to function. However, strong pain medication can have side effects that make it difficult to work, such as drowsiness and difficulty concentrating. It's crucial to communicate with healthcare professionals and find a medication regimen that minimises side effects while allowing you to perform your best at work and studies. Regularly review and adjust your medication plan as needed. Also, take some time off work if it’s possible, when it’s necessary.
Embracing Growth and Development: Despite these challenges, growth and development are essential to me. I value my career and my studies, and I don't want my illness to hold me back. However, balancing everything can be exhausting and can lead to burnout. Set realistic goals and celebrate even the smallest achievements. Seek opportunities for professional and personal development that align with your passion and interests. But, be careful that you don’t take on more than you can handle. I’ve been guilty of this crime more often than I care to admit. And make sure you make time for some rest.
Dealing with Fatigue and Burnout: The combination of work, studies, and endometriosis can lead to fatigue and burnout. Fatigue and burnout are common for those of us with chronic illnesses. It can be challenging to find the energy to do everything we need to do. Sometimes, it feels like there are not enough hours in the day to accomplish everything. It’s easy to get caught up in work, studies, and other responsibilities, but it is important to take breaks and allow your body to rest. Take regular breaks, practice time management, and prioritise self-care. Remember, it's okay to say no and delegate tasks when necessary to avoid overwhelming yourself.
Balancing Work, Studies, and Marriage: Maintaining a healthy marriage while juggling multiple responsibilities requires open communication and understanding. Share your struggles, fears, and triumphs with your spouse, and involve them in your support system. Find quality time for each other, create date nights, and explore shared hobbies to strengthen your bond. Don’t have a spouse? Well, that’s okay. You may need to juggle time with friends or family. Either way, you must have someone in your life that you try to make room for. It is essential to make time for each of these areas, but it can be difficult to find the balance. I have found that communication and planning ahead are key to balancing everything.
Prioritising Self-Care: Self-care is vital in managing endometriosis and balancing life in general, work and studies. Incorporate activities that bring you joy and help you relax, such as hobbies, spending time outdoors, watching Netflix, or engaging in mindfulness exercises. Self-care rejuvenates your mind and body, allowing you to better cope with the challenges you face. And don’t stress, self-care doesn’t have to cost you a thing. When I can afford it, I love to go and do my nails, go for lunch or a coffee date with a friend, do some budget retail therapy or go for a spa treatment. But sometimes, the bank account doesn’t allow for such luxuries, so taking a warm bath, reading a book, going for a walk in nature or indulging in my favourite TV shows also do the trick. Just make sure to carve out time for activities that replenish your energy and bring you a sense of peace.
Communicate with your partner: Open and honest communication with your spouse or partner is essential. They may not fully understand what you're going through, but by sharing your experiences, emotions, and challenges, you can help them better support you. Let them know when you need extra understanding or assistance and work together to find solutions that benefit both of you. Doing this with my Sunshine has been very helpful to our relationship, allowing us to better understand one another and the struggles that have come with this dreaded illness.
Plan and prioritise: To manage the demands of work, studies, and endometriosis, effective planning and prioritisation are crucial. Break down your tasks into manageable chunks and create a schedule that allows for dedicated time for work, studying, rest, and self-care. By organising your responsibilities, you can alleviate some of the stress and ensure that you allocate time for all aspects of your life. It’s not easy and it’s not always smooth sailing, but it works and helps most days.
Seek support: Don't hesitate to reach out for support when needed. Connect with friends, family, or support groups who understand what you're going through. Share your struggles, seek advice, and lean on their support during challenging times. Additionally, consider talking to a therapist or counsellor who can provide guidance and help you navigate the emotional toll of balancing work, studies, and endometriosis. I see an amazing therapist once a month and when I’m really battling, I see her twice a month. I’m also part of a great endo support group that’s active on Facebook and WhatsApp. My church community, mainly life group, is also a great source of comfort and support. Not forgetting my Sunshine, who vowed to be with me through sickness and in health. He’s seen me at my best and my worst and he’s been a great pillar of strength throughout this journey.
Practice self-compassion: Above all, be kind and compassionate to yourself. It's okay to feel overwhelmed or to have setbacks. Remember that you are doing your best, and it's important to acknowledge your efforts and progress. Celebrate even the small victories along the way, and remind yourself that you are resilient and capable of managing multiple responsibilities while living with endometriosis.
Balancing work, studies, and a chronic illness like endometriosis is no easy feat. Add in the responsibility of being a spouse, and you have a recipe for a never-ending balancing act. It is a task that many of us with endometriosis face daily, and it can be overwhelming at times. I honestly don’t know how endo mommies manage it all. Power to you warriors!
However, by prioritising self-care, effective communication, planning, seeking support, and practicing self-compassion, you can find a harmonious balance that allows you to pursue your goals while managing your health. I hope that with these tips, combined with some of your own experiences and lessons learnt, you can find the balance that works best for you. Remember that you are not alone, and with perseverance and resilience, you can navigate this journey and thrive in all areas of your life.
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