The Autoimmune Campfire Podcast

Navigating Wellbeing with Autoimmune Conditions

In this episode of the Autoimmune Campfire, hosts Helen and Nona engage in a heartfelt discussion about the complexities of maintaining well-being while living with a chronic condition. They delve into the PERMA model from positive psychology, exploring how Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment can contribute to flourishing despite health challenges. Helen and Nona share personal experiences, tackle the impact of toxic positivity, and emphasize the importance of acknowledging all emotions. Listen in for actionable insights on nurturing wellbeing and finding joy amidst adversity.

00:00 Welcome to the Autoimmune Campfire

00:18 Holiday Recap and Personal Updates

01:32 Choosing Wellbeing: An Introduction

06:07 The Theory of Wellbeing: PERMA

08:42 Personal Stories and Practices

18:49 Toxic Positivity vs. True Wellbeing

25:13 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

29:47 Upcoming Episodes and Farewell

Resources:

An article about the PERMA Well-being Theory:

https://ppc.sas.upenn.edu/learn-more/perma-theory-well-being-and-perma-workshops#:~:text=what%20enables%20it%3F-,Dr.,are%20strategies%20to%20increase%20each.

Thanks for listening to The Autoimmune Campfire! Subscribe for free to receive new episodes straight to your inbox.

Connect with us

If you want to learn more about who we are and what we do or to work with us, please check our respective websites:

https://www.nonajordan.com/

https://www.helensamsonmullen.com

We are delighted to work with our wonderful producer, Richard Wilmore at

https://www.makeyourdayricher.com/

Thank you for joining us - we’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below.

Nurturing Connections: The Heartbeat of Wellbeing

In this episode of the Autoimmune Campfire, hosts Helen and Nona explore the profound impact of connections on living well with a chronic condition. They share personal stories about the value of community and meaningful relationships, emphasize quality over quantity in friendships, and discuss the Harvard study on happiness, highlighting the importance of positive social connections. They also offer insights into maintaining relationships despite the challenges posed by autoimmune diseases and provide three key takeaways on the power of intentional connections. Join Helen and Nona for an enlightening conversation about the joy and necessity of human connection.

00:00 Welcome to the Autoimmune Campfire

00:27 Weekend Highlights and Personal Stories

04:45 The Importance of Connection

06:05 Challenges of Connection with Autoimmune Conditions

07:29 Research Insights on Connection and Wellbeing

11:12 Personal Experiences and Strategies for Connection

25:28 Lessons on Building Meaningful Connections

32:11 Closing Thoughts and Next Episode Preview

Resources: The definition we used for connection was from the work of Dr Brené Brown. Helen highly recommends her books - The gifts of imperfection, Daring Greatly, Dare to Lead, Rising Strong, Atlas of the Heart.

Thanks for listening to The Autoimmune Campfire! Subscribe for free to receive new episodes straight to your inbox.

Connect with us

If you want to learn more about who we are and what we do or to work with us, please check our respective websites:

https://www.nonajordan.com/

https://www.helensamsonmullen.com

We are delighted to work with our wonderful producer, Richard Wilmore at

https://www.makeyourdayricher.com/

Thank you for joining us - we’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below.

Approaching Pain Differently

In episode 10 of the Autoimmune Campfire, hosts Helen and Nona delve into managing chronic pain through mindfulness and breathwork. They discuss the latest pain science and the role of mindfulness in handling pain, especially for those with autoimmune conditions. They emphasize the importance of breathing techniques and practices like Yoga Nidra to support the nervous system. The episode also explores the value of non-attachment to outcomes, running personal experiments, and being gentle with oneself. Join the conversation for insights and practical tools to enhance your well-being.

00:00 Welcome to the Autoimmune Campfire

00:43 Weekend Recap: Art and Gratitude

02:22 Understanding Pain and Mindfulness

05:57 Exploring Pain Science

10:14 The Power of Breathwork and Yoga Nidra

14:47 Mindfulness Practices and Personal Stories

32:06 Lessons on Mindfulness and Pain Management

37:34 Conclusion and Next Week's Topic

Thanks for listening to The Autoimmune Campfire! Subscribe for free to receive new episodes delivered straight to your inbox.

Resources referred to in the episode:

Jon Kabat-Zinn books are all recommended, Nona mentioned Full Catastrophe Living.

Helen’s favorite mindfulness apps: Calm and Happier 

Self-compassion mindfulness guided practice resources: https://self-compassion.org/self-compassion-practices/#guided-practices

Nona’s Yoga Nidra:

https://filedn.com/lF62cTjtorSXJlWX9RcxC6m/Substack%20Yoga%20Nidra%20October%2022.mp3

Connect with us

If you want to learn more about who we are and what we do or to work with us, please check our respective websites:

https://www.nonajordan.com/

https://www.helensamsonmullen.com

We are delighted to work with our wonderful producer, Richard Wilmore at

https://www.makeyourdayricher.com/

Thank you for joining us - we’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below.

Embracing Movement with Autoimmune Conditions

In episode nine of 'Autoimmune Campfire,' hosts Helen and Nona discuss the importance of incorporating joy-filled movement into the lives of those with autoimmune conditions. They share personal experiences, shedding light on the mental and physical health benefits of exercise and the unique challenges faced by individuals with chronic illnesses. The episode delves into practical tips for finding exercise types that work for you, balancing different exercise forms, and the importance of compassion and adaptability in your fitness journey. Tune in for heartfelt advice and encouragement on how to move your body joyfully and enhance your health and well-being despite an autoimmune diagnosis.

00:00 Welcome to the Autoimmune Campfire

00:38 Weekend Recap and Personal Updates

02:53 Episode Introduction: Moving Our Bodies

03:13 The Importance of Exercise for Autoimmune Conditions

06:14 Personal Experiences with Exercise

07:08 Adapting Exercise to Your Body's Needs

09:28 Finding Joy in Movement

14:06 Relearning Your Body with Autoimmune Conditions

27:50 Support Systems and Resources for Exercise

33:43 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Best exercises for rheumatoid arthritis:

https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/physical-activity/other-activities/best-exercises-for-rheumatoid-arthritis

https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/ss/slideshow-ra-exercises

MS resource - Gretchen Hawley:

https://www.drgretchenhawley.com

We welcome hearing your recommendations in the comments.

Thanks for listening to The Autoimmune Campfire! Subscribe for free to receive new episodes in your inbox.

Connect with us

If you want to learn more about who we are and what we do or to work with us, please check our respective websites:

https://www.nonajordan.com/

https://www.helensamsonmullen.com

We are delighted to work with our wonderful producer, Richard Wilmore at

https://www.makeyourdayricher.com/

Thank you for joining us - we’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below.

Embracing Sleep for Better Health

In Episode 8 of 'Autoimmune Campfire,' hosts Helen and Nona delve into the significance of sleep for individuals living with chronic conditions. They share personal stories, discuss the impact of sleep on health and well-being, and explore methods to achieve better sleep quality. The episode touches on factors that affect sleep, such as pain, anxiety, and lifestyle choices, and offers practical tips for improving sleep hygiene. They also highlight the benefits of practices like Yoga Nidra and meditation. The conversation underscores the necessity of prioritizing rest and self-care for optimal health.

00:00 Welcome to the Autoimmune Campfire

00:40 Weekend Recap: Beach and Family Time

01:47 The Anxiety of Medical Checkups

02:50 The Importance of Sleep

04:11 Sleep Issues in Autoimmune Conditions

11:08 Personal Sleep Stories

19:38 Tips for Better Sleep

36:11 Closing Thoughts and Listener Appreciation

Thanks for listening to The Autoimmune Campfire! Subscribe for free to receive new episodes right to your inbox.

Connect with us

If you want to learn more about who we are and what we do or to work with us, please check our respective websites:

https://www.nonajordan.com/

https://www.helensamsonmullen.com

We are delighted to work with our wonderful producer, Richard Wilmore at

https://www.makeyourdayricher.com/

Here are resources that we reference in this episode:

Why we sleep by Matthew Walker, PhD.

Matthew Walker’s TED talk 

https://www.ted.com/talks/matt_walker_sleep_is_your_superpower?subtitle=en

Nona’s yoga nidra:

https://filedn.com/lF62cTjtorSXJlWX9RcxC6m/Substack%20Yoga%20Nidra%20October%2022.mp3

ImogenRagone’s Alexander Technique:

https://imogenragone.com 

Link to ‘CyCling’ with Ease to Down-regulate Stress and Trauma:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPANejLi24o

What the hell do I eat now?

In this episode of the Autoimmune Campfire podcast, hosts Helen and Nona discuss the complexities of nourishing oneself while living with autoimmune conditions. They explore personal experiences, such as family visits and dietary adjustments, and delve into the varied, sometimes conflicting medical advice on nutrition.

The conversation highlights the emotional and physical challenges of managing autoimmune diseases, including Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Key topics include the impact of avoiding processed foods, dealing with food allergies, the importance of self-compassion, and the role of personal experimentation in finding a sustainable diet. The episode also addresses the broader cultural pressures around food and health, encouraging listeners to find individualized approaches that work best for their bodies. The episode wraps up with a sneak peek into the next discussion, focusing on the importance of rest.

00:00 Welcome to the Autoimmune Campfire

00:51 Weekend Adventures and Family Time

02:04 Community Connections and Retreats

03:43 Nourishment and Breath

04:04 The Complexities of Nutrition with Autoimmune Disorders

07:28 Personal Journeys with Food and Health

13:02 The Impact of Sugar and Flour on Health

17:47 Navigating Food Allergies and Restrictions

19:07 Understanding Diet Beyond Weight Loss

21:02 Exploring Various Way of Eating and Their Impact

23:35 The Importance of Self-Compassion

25:58 Learning from Personal Experiences

34:54 General Nourishment Ideas for Autoimmune Conditions

37:38 Conclusion and Next Steps

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Resources Mentioned:

Article from Gretchen Rubin re abstainer vs moderator: https://gretchenrubin.com/articles/abstainer-vs-moderator/

Connect with us

If you want to learn more about who we are and what we do or to work with us, please check our respective websites:

https://www.nonajordan.com/

https://www.helensamsonmullen.com

We are delighted to work with our wonderful producer, Richard Wilmore at

https://www.makeyourdayricher.com/

In episode six of the Autoimmune Campfire podcast, hosts Helen and Nona explore the theme of pleasure and its importance for individuals with chronic conditions. They discuss personal experiences and ways to integrate pleasurable moments into daily life to enhance well-being.

The episode covers the concept of 'glimmers,' small moments of joy, and challenges the perception that pleasure is solely linked to indulgences or sexuality. They emphasize the power of prioritizing pleasure as a healing practice. Helen shares her newfound joy in drawing, while Nona talks about the rejuvenating effects of artistic pursuits. They encourage listeners to embrace both micro and macro pleasures and stop 'waiting' for enjoyment, highlighting the critical importance of finding joy despite life's challenges.

00:00 Welcome to the Autoimmune Campfire

00:31 Helen's Birthday Weekend and Pleasure

01:27 Nona's Madrid Adventure

02:59 Defining Pleasure Beyond Sex

04:40 Pleasure as Healing

06:44 Prioritizing Pleasure and Play

08:44 Personal Stories of Pleasure

13:40 Macro Pivots and Micro Choices

20:24 Lube Your Life

21:17 Practical Tips for Finding Pleasure

31:49 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Thanks for reading The Autoimmune Campfire! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Connect with us

If you want to learn more about who we are and what we do or to work with us, please check our respective websites:

https://www.nonajordan.com/

https://www.helensamsonmullen.com

We are delighted to work with our wonderful producer, Richard Wilmore at

https://www.makeyourdayricher.com/

Recommendations

Surf Lessons, Nona’s book

Do you like what you hear on the podcast? If so, like and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

We welcome you to the Campfire.

In this episode of the Autoimmune Campfire, hosts Helen and Nona engage in an insightful conversation about pacing and managing energy for individuals living with chronic conditions. They share personal stories and experiences, highlighting the challenge of adjusting expectations and managing daily activities in the context of varying energy levels.

The discussion introduces concepts like 'spoon theory' and 'units of energy', emphasizing the importance of presence, self-advocacy, and aligning activities with personal values and energy levels. The episode encourages listeners to embrace opportunities by attuning to natural rhythms and taking ownership of their energy management journey. Listeners are invited to self-advocate and find balance despite the unpredictable nature of their conditions.

00:00 Welcome to the Autoimmune Campfire

00:18 Weekend Recap and Personal Updates

02:51 Advocacy and Pacing

14:36 Understanding Energy Management

30:57 Spiritual Opportunities and Natural Rhythms

36:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thanks for listening to The Autoimmune Campfire! Subscribe for free to receive new podcasts straight to your inbox!

Connect with us

If you want to learn more about who we are and what we do or to work with us, please check our respective websites:

https://www.nonajordan.com/

https://www.helensamsonmullen.com

We are delighted to work with our wonderful producer, Richard Wilmore at

https://www.makeyourdayricher.com/

Additional Resources:

https://www.forbes.com/health/wellness/pacing/#:~:text=“Pacing%20involves%20balancing%20activity%20and,Schweig.

“All of us could benefit from asking ourselves how much is too much and heeding the call of our bodies to rest. However, people with CFS, fibromyalgia, long COVID, chronic pain, and other conditions are often required to ask that question with much greater urgency as they struggle to find energy to accomplish things the rest of us take for granted—like bathing, cooking a meal, running errands or even carrying on a conversation."

In the footnotes of the article was the research in RA Lancet's article on pacing with respect to RA:

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(11)60096-2/fulltext

And Article on Spoon Theory:

https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/mental-health/spoon-theory

In this episode of Autoimmune Campfire, hosts Helen and Nona engage in a heartfelt discussion about self-advocacy for individuals living with chronic conditions. They share personal stories and insights on the challenges of advocating for oneself, especially as women, and the importance of clear communication with healthcare providers.

The conversation explores the need for setting boundaries, being honest with oneself, and the role of vulnerability in self-advocacy. Helen and Nona emphasize the significance of asking for support, staying curious, and taking someone along to important medical appointments where possible. They conclude with practical tips to empower listeners in their journey of advocating for themselves, encouraging self-compassion and clarity in their healthcare experiences.

00:00 Welcome to the Autoimmune Campfire

00:19 Weekend Recap and Personal Stories

03:09 Lessons in Advocacy

04:14 Defining Self-Advocacy

05:18 Challenges in Self-Advocacy

08:41 Personal Experiences with Self-Advocacy

24:36 Strategies for Effective Advocacy

32:20 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Thanks for listening to The Autoimmune Campfire! Subscribe to receive new episodes delivered straight to your inbox.

Connect with us

If you want to learn more about who we are and what we do or to work with us, please check our respective websites:

https://www.nonajordan.com/

https://www.helensamsonmullen.com

We are delighted to work with our wonderful producer, Richard Wilmore at

https://www.makeyourdayricher.com/

Helen’s book recommendations from this episode:

Sarah Seidelmann’s Boundaries Make Love Possible: Self-respecting Boundaries

Brené Brown Dare to Lead

Do you like what you hear on the podcast? If so, like and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

We welcome you to the Campfire.

Today’s show notes

Stories matter. Stories heal. Stories inspire. 

We welcome connecting with you in the comments. 

In this episode of the Autoimmune Campfire, hosts Helen and Nona dive deep into Helen's journey with rheumatoid arthritis. Helen opens up about the challenges and triumphs she experienced from her initial diagnosis in 2017 through her daily life, caregiving, and various treatments. The conversation encompasses Helen's initial resistance to medication, the need for advocacy, and the importance of community support and self-compassion. This episode offers hope, insights, and relatable experiences for those living with chronic conditions.

02:50 Helen's Story: The Diagnosis Journey

09:30 The Perfect Storm: Life Before and After Diagnosis

19:56 Moments of Grace and Synchronicities

22:34 Advice for the Newly Diagnosed

28:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Two books that Helen mentioned:

Radiant Rebellion: Reclaim Aging, Practice Joy, and Raise a Little Hell by Karen Walrond.

The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer

If you want to learn more about who we are and what we do, please check our respective websites:

https://www.nonajordan.com/

https://www.helensamsonmullen.com

We are delighted to work with our wonderful producer, Richard Wilmore at

https://www.makeyourdayricher.com/

Are you enjoying the podcast? We welcome your reviews on Apple Podcasts or subscribing here!

Thanks for listening to The Autoimmune Campfire podcast! Subscribe for free to receive our latest episodes right to your inbox.