What If Managing Your Chronic Illness Felt Different?

Your brain may be pulling you in a million directions when managing a chronic illness like chronic kidney disease (CKD). Or maybe it’s juggling a few at once—after all, diabetes and hypertension are top risk factors for developing CKD.

There’s a long list of things to keep track of: taking medications and supplements, checking your blood pressure (and possibly blood sugars), limiting sodium and protein, drinking more water, eating more fruits and vegetables, cooking at home instead of eating out. And don’t forget to make it to all your doctor’s appointments and fit in daily exercise.

Oh, and on top of that, there’s the constant influx of new health advice, wellness trends, and “must-do” recommendations coming at you from all directions.

PHEW.

Does this resonate with you?

The mental load of managing your health can feel overwhelming, leading to anxiety, stress, or even paralysis—when you don’t know where to start, so you don’t start at all.

A Different Approach to Self-Care

What if you could approach self-management of chronic illness differently?

Instead of waking up every day thinking, I should do _____ (fill in the blank), what if you paused—just for a moment—and asked yourself: “What do I need today?”

You might be surprised by the answer.

My Word of the Year: Care

For the past several years I have been choosing a 'word of the year' to focus my intentions and goals. For 2025, my word of the year is care.

As a dietitian, my job is centered around caring for others. I provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, practice Motivational Interviewing, assess readiness for change, and support my clients in goal-setting. I love helping people navigate their health journeys.

But somewhere along the way, I forgot to prioritize care for myself.

After becoming a mom and working full-time, I let go of things that once helped me feel my best—like daily yoga, getting enough sleep, and tuning into what my body needed each day. Fast-forward ten years, and I’m finally leaning back into the idea that I need care too.

A Simple Shift That Can Change Everything

I see you.

I see the daily struggle to fit self-care into your routine, and I want to share something that’s been helping me: taking a moment to pause and reflect.

What if, just for today, you approached things differently?

What if you stopped and listened to what your body is telling you it needs?

Maybe you feel thirsty and decide to focus on hydration. Maybe you feel stiff and prioritize a walk. Maybe today is a day for rest.

You don’t have to be perfect. Showing up for yourself in small ways—exactly as your body needs—is enough. And tomorrow? Tomorrow might be different. Take it one step, one day, at a time.

A Quick Note on Medications

One caveat: Taking your medications regularly is essential. If you’re struggling with pill burden or keeping up with your regimen, that might be the first care item to tackle. Then, you can explore other ways to nurture yourself.

You Deserve Good Care

You are worthy of care. Not just from your healthcare team, but from yourself.

So today, pause. Breathe. Ask yourself what you need—and honor that answer.

Because you deserve good care.