5 tips to becoming an autoimmune warrior mamma

December 14, 2020|DrJen

Autoimmunity is a state of immune confusion that results in the body attacking itself. Autoimmune disease is on the rise and now among the top 10 leading causes of death for girls and women in all age groups.

There are over 100 identified autoimmune disorders with the most common being:

•Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

•Grave’s Disease

•Type 1 Diabetes

•Lupus

•Rheumatoid Arthritis

•Multiple Sclerosis

There are 50 million people living with autoimmune in the U.S alone. The majority of those diagnosed with the disease, are female. Most women with autoimmune disorders feel like others do not understand them. Often they are misdiagnosed or not listened to in healthcare offices because their symptoms can represent many other diseases. So as autoimmune mammas, we need to focus on our own self-care.

For a parent, especially a mother, it can be challenging to take care of your autoimmune disease and manage your family at the same time. It is essential to first look at your needs and to make time for self-care. Making yourself a priority is not selfish! The healthier you are, the greater benefit it is to those around you! Preventing flares and living without symptoms will let you be a better mother, wife, co-worker, and human being.

Here are a few things that mothers and wives should consider when navigating life with an autoimmune disease:

Allow time for yourself:

Give yourself importance and priority. Allow yourself sometime of peace and relaxation, even if you can only find a few minutes. Listen to good music or go alone on a walk near the sea or park. A sound mind has a sound body, so make sure you are mentally relaxed as well. Spend time with people of your own age (aka adults). A study shows that socializing with people of your age is highly effective for mental growth and stability.

Accept yourself:

You have an autoimmune disease; it is time you take care of yourself and accept the new life that has taken place. Give yourself some alone time and get to know yourself better. What do you enjoy the most? A romantic movie with your partner? Or book reading in quiet?

Most people find it hard to come to terms with having an autoimmune disease. It is okay to feel that way. Give yourself time and surround yourself with positive things. Once you accept the new autoimmune way of life, your routine and preferences will change.

Do not expect too much from yourself:

It is okay if you’re not super-woman. Practice self-compassion and give yourself a lot of grace! No one can give you a better boost than yourself. Do not put unrealistic expectations on yourself and make goals on how to accomplish things without building pressure on yourself.

Surround yourself with supportive people:

Make friends and spend time around people that understand you the most. The people that accept you the way you are and want the best for you are the ones you want to have around. People who continuously degrade you or lower your self-esteem are people who you should not be spending your time with.

Self-Care is the new Healthcare

Create a daily routine to support your health that includes lifestyle and mindset time. Make sure you move 30 minutes a day to prevent flares and keep your body working optimally. This could be yoga, walking, or even playing with the kids. Establishing good intentions for the day is also just as important. Set aside just 5 minutes a day to either journal, color, or even listen to a book. This time is valuable because it allows you to start or end the day on the right note.

You are amazing … remember that!

Do you need help finding good tasty AIP snacks?

I want to make things easier for you and also more fun! Because variety IS fun! And just because you may be suffering from autoimmune disease doesn’t mean that you have to let go of having variety in your life.