Welcome to episode 19 of the Inner Calm Podcast. 

This topic is particularly close to my heart, in sharing how to invite a sense of calm and care on your own chronic health journey. This could look like persistent pain, unknown symptoms and repeated doctors, appointments and health professionals to 'get to the bottom' of what is happening right now. And then of course those diagnosed with their own chronic health conditions that you are working to manage every day. 

This episode is designed to support you, your mental health and your wellbeing as you navigate this journey with your own team of health care professionals. 

In this episode I dive into four tips to help support you to feel a sense of calm and care for yourself during this journey. 

Let it be noted, that your version of 'calm' does not look the same as what it may have previously. 

1. Down regulate your nervous system. This is important to help support your own mental health and wellbeing. You can listen to episode #17 How to Calm Your Nervous System to help support you. 
2. Journalling. This is so beneficial to help you release the overwhelming number of thoughts within your own mind to the piece of paper. This process can be so cathartic. 
3. Present moment. Continually bring yourself back to the present moment. I understand the desire and need to worry about the future, about this concern, that concern, 'what does this mean for this'. This can become overwhelming and be unhelpful to your own wellbeing. So continually coming back to the present moment is key. 
4. Focus on your core circle. For myself personally I work best with keeping those closest to me close and having their help and support. I knew that keeping my focus here was key to not waste my energy with superfluous things, especially if going thru a flare up of feeling like crap or an intense situation or experience e.g. getting ready for surgery or recovering. 

I also mention episode #13: Importance of Self Soothing to help support you to take care of yourself and be gentle with yourself when you most need it. 

Know that your version of calm looks different at different points of your journey. I hope this has been of some help or support for you along your own health journey. 

Thank you for listening to the Inner Calm Podcast, I so enjoy creating this content for you, I would love if you left me a review on iTunes it really supports this podcast and subscribe so you don't miss an episode. I upload every Thursday.