BeWell Blog
Redefining Easter Holidays with Chronic Disease: Celebration Without the Energy Drain
The pastel bunnies intrude, supermarkets are filled to the brim with egg-dying kits, and social media feeds are saturated with pristine family Easter schedules. And we, with chronic illness, quietly tallying the energy cost of every tradition and attempting to...
IBS in Public: 10 Real-Life Hacks for Managing Symptoms on the Go
There's having IBS at home - and having IBS out and about. Two very different problems. At home, you know where the bathroom is. You've got your heating pad, your comfort foods, and no one questioning why you've been in...
Life is Short: Use the Markers
Growing up, I had this habit that I now recognize in so many others living with chronic illness - saving the "good stuff" for some perfect future moment that never quite arrives. The Story Behind the Markers I remember the...
Sweet Reminder: The Hidden Powers of Chocolate
Living with chronic illness means being on the eternal quest for symptom-soothing options via natural remedies. In my personal journey with an autoimmune disease, I read so much about therapeutic foods-and chocolate keeps popping up as this really interesting ally....
Surviving Thanksgiving with a Chronic Illness: Fatigue and Food Restrictions Included
Written by: Amanda Phillips Thanksgiving is that time of the year when we focus on family, gratitude, and of course, food. However, for people living with chronic illness, this holiday can come with its own set of challenges. Cooking, cleaning,...
How to Keep Your Immune System Going During Cold and Flu Season
Written by: Amanda Phillips Daylight hours are at a minimum, and temperatures are well below freezing—so, yes, cold and flu season is most definitely here. If you have been diagnosed with a chronic disease or cancer, the cold time of...
Managing Stress and Fatigue During the Holidays with Chronic Illness
Written by: Amanda Phillips While the holiday season is a time of grand celebration, family gatherings, and holiday traditions, for those of us with chronic illnesses, holidays bring added stress, extra exhaustion, and symptom management as we attempt to keep...
Halloween with Chronic Illness: Low-Energy Costume Ideas and Activities
Halloween can be so much fun, but often, if you live with a chronic illness or cancer, it just might feel overwhelming. The costumes, parties, and all of those trick-or-treaters can be fatiguing activities when your body already seems to...
Halloween Candy: Dietary Restriction Management Tips
Written by: Amanda Phillips Halloween is one of those times of the year that's all about fun, costumes, and of course—candy! But for many of us living with chronic illnesses or cancer, the excitement of the Halloween treats can be...