Learning How to Live With COPD

Having a chronic illness like COPD can be all-consuming if we don't fill our days with other things. It isn't an easy thing to do.

What we can do

Start the day right

We can however learn to find what makes us more productive. Wake up every day and even if you don't feel like getting dressed, make the effort. It will help refocus your thoughts on the things that make your day feel normal. Make breakfast if you can. Porridge is something easy and I can usually do that on my own. It's a great way to start the day.

Goals and communication

If you haven't already made a list of things you'd like to tackle for the day, make one. Having goals that you set for yourself on a daily basis gives you a positive way to fill your day. Share a moment with your family if they are with you. Let them know what your plans are for the day so they can either help or work around you.

Learn to embrace your COPD

I have, over the past 6 years, learned to be more tolerant, to have more understanding, and to live a simpler life. My COPD has thought me how to be a better version of myself to be a bit kinder to myself. It isn't something that happens overnight. It takes time and effort to realize that you need to change how you view your life.

Have faith in your abilities

COPD is a very unpredictable and debilitating condition to have. Having the courage to face its challenges can be quite difficult for most people. Allow yourself time to rest and restore your mind and body.

Take care of yourself

Taking care of yourself is not just about exercising more or doing more. We can enhance our lives by just being more positive and motivated.

Learn from others

I know that lots of people suffering from this disease have shared their personal experiences, but each person has their own way of dealing with this illness. By sharing each other's experiences, we gather information that may be very valuable. Learning how to overcome some of the issues that surround this disease is so important.

Understanding your body

It isn't easy managing a condition that changes from day to day and sometimes hour to hour. The way I cope is by listening to my body and understanding how it works. I do quite a bit of research on different medications that help sufferers. I go onto chat groups where people exchange their own experiences and share their journeys. It helps to know that there are other people who have the same problems and seeing how they deal with these situations helps me deal with mine.

Not a death sentence

Although it may seem like having COPD means giving up and accepting our fate, it shouldn't. Having COPD is not a death sentence. We just need to change the way we do things, that's all. Take things a little slower, find a healthier lifestyle and you can manage this condition. My way of coping with this chronic disease is simple. Just live it one day at a time, keep a positive attitude and remember to laugh every now and then. It's great for the soul.

Editor's Note: We are heartbroken to share that Liana passed away in November of 2021. She is deeply missed but her encouragement and positivity live on through her articles. Thank you for everything, Liana.