Usually after a day with filled appointments or other activity, I have to take the next day to recover. I plan to stay in bed, or at least sleep late to make up for the extra energy expended. It’s a familiar pattern, my norm. Today was a recovery day, reflective of a busy yesterday…. **
Body
One word to describe my Lupus body today: Sneezy
Which habits and rituals did I practice to soothe my Lupus body?
- Ate a clean diet
- Slept well
- Stayed hydrated
More details about my physical symptoms:
I woke up the same way I went to bed last night—sneezing with awful sinus pressure on the right side of my face. It started at the end of my busy day with two doctor appointments yesterday. I hope I didn’t pick up a germ from anybody. Our susceptibility to infection is increased with Lupus, as my doctor reminded me today. I’m thinking (hoping), though, that this may be simply allergies. So, after adding antihistamines to my mix of medications early this morning, I slept most of the day.
Mind
One word to describe my Lupus mind today: Reflective
Which habits and rituals did I practice to strengthen my Lupus mind?
- Connected with my doctor
- Protect alone time
- Managed expectations
More details and thoughts about how I’m feeling emotionally today:
Despite sleeping and being drowsy all day, I found myself thinking about my day yesterday. Between my appointments with my allergist and rheumatologist, I attended a meeting of a rotary club. I was invited by a kind woman I met at a memorial service recently. This was the first professional-type event for me since I stopped working due to the Lupus. It was nice to be around professional people again, but the fast paced interaction was very taxing on me. I was excited to be there, but relieved when the meeting was over. I kept wondering if the Lupus was showing.
Spirit
One word to describe my spirit today: Grateful
Which habits and rituals did I practice to nurture my Lupus spirit?
- Loved myself
- Meditated, prayed, visualized
Thoughts about my spiritual connection and spiritual lessons learned today:
Although I spent the day in bed—which happens more than I’d like–I was thinking how wonderful it is that I’m free to not have to go to work. That I can focus on my health, which often feels like a full-time job with all the doctor appointments and medical records to maintain. Sleep and rest are so important for managing this disease, and I’m so grateful that I can.
Meals
Today my meals were:
- Breakfast: Gluten-free oatmeal, gluten-free toast, orange
- Lunch: Homemade pasta sauce over gluten-free pasta
- Dinner: Homemade chicken soup, Paleo banana muffin
- Snacks: Gala apple
Thanks
At least one thing that I’m grateful for today:
- My bed
- My retirement
**(This post is based on the format of the Lupus Diary that I developed for keeping track of how Lupus affects my body, mind, and spirit, I check-in here once a week to let you know about the more interesting days of my Lupus journey. To learn more about the Lupus Diary, how I developed it, and why I use it, click here.)
