Living Well

Living Well

This Silly Thing My Primary School Science Teacher Taught Me Helps Me Get Through Hard Days

A simple change in perspective can go a long way.

Living Well

What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?

Here's what to know about ultra-processed foods, how they can affect your health, and how to spot them.

Living Well

6 Tips for Navigating the Job Search with Chronic Illness

In this column, Kathy Reagan shares advice and resources for finding employment when you live with a chronic condition.

Living Well

5 Foods to Lower Triglycerides

Filling your diet with fatty fish, soy protein, and other whole foods can help lower triglyceride levels. Here’s how to get more of them in your diet.

Living Well

Can Weightlifting Help with Migraine Symptoms? Get the Facts

Weight lifting may help migraine symptoms. Here's how to do it safely.

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9 Ways to Manage Moving Stress and Make Your New Home Migraine-Friendly

Planning ahead and asking for help can make a world of difference.

Living Well

How Music Can Level Up Your Next Walk

Listening to music can boost your mood and make walking feel easier. Check our feel-good song recommendations for your next walk around the block.

Living Well

Can I Work While Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits?

You can still earn income while receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). In this column, Kathy Reagan explains SSDI work incentive policies.

Living Well

What’s the Nocebo Effect and How Does It Influence Migraine?

It sounds far-fetched, but a positive attitude may make treatment more effective.

Living Well

How Rejecting the Hollywood Ending Has Helped Me Cope With MS

I used to be annoyed by movies with sappy, happily-ever-after endings. Then, I discovered the wisdom and realism in indie films and older flicks and found they had a lot to teach me about coping with a chronic illness.

Living Well

What Self-Care Means When you Live with a Chronic Condition

It can be hard to prioritize your own needs when it feels like your body has let you down. But self-care is important for those living chronic conditions.  

Living Well

How Chronic Illness Led Allison to Entrepreneurship

Allison Ratkovich shares how multiple sclerosis led her to entrepreneurship and how starting a business allows her to prioritize her health.

Living Well

10 Ways I Plan to Improve My Well-Being Without Making New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s resolutions are overrated. Besides, many of us with chronic illnesses have already done the hard work of making healthy lifestyle adjustments. Here are some nonresolutions that just might make us feel happier in the new year.

Living Well

Rosemary for Migraine: Can It Provide Symptom Relief?

Rosemary for Migraine: Can It Provide Symptom Relief?

Living Well

How Does Menopause Affect Migraine?

How Does Menopause Affect Migraine?

Living Well

Redefining Resolutions: My Chronic Migraine New Year’s Ritual

Managing chronic illness is a full-time job. I don’t have time for a whole ‘new me.’

Living Well

Living My Faith: How Spirituality Helps Me Cope with Chronic Illness

MS has helped me find a new connection to God, and with it, new purpose, community, gratitude, and more.

Living Well

5 Things to Track in Your Migraine Diary

If you find yourself facing an increasing number of migraine attacks, or difficult symptoms to navigate, you may want to start a migraine diary. A migraine diary is a great way to track your symptoms and migraine episode patterns. Here are five things to track in yours.

Living Well

Working for Yourself: Pros and Cons of Being Your Own Boss

Kathy Reagan describes the challenges and benefits of working for yourself when you live with a chronic illness.

Living Well

If You Love Someone with Migraine, This Wish List Can Help You Find the Perfect Gift

A thoughtful gift for someone with migraine can go a long way. Here's what to buy and not to buy.

Living Well

Workplace Stress Worsened My Chronic Illness

My Crohn's disease came out of remission after 10 years, and I believe workplace stress played a major role. Here's how I handled it.

Living Well

How to Find Meaning After Grieving the Former You

After my diagnosis, it took time to accept my new life. But I still struggled to understand its meaning. The sixth stage of grief helped me find meaning.

Living Well

13 Side Hustles for Earning Money If You Live with Chronic Illness

Kathy Reagan shares advice and resources for earning extra income and avoiding scams in this Patients Getting Paid column.

Living Well

5 Yoga Practices to Consider If You Live with a Chronic Condition

Yoga is an accessible way to get your body moving that can provide a range of health benefits. Here's how to get started.

Living Well

I’m a Patient Getting Paid — and You Can Be Too

In this column, Kathy Reagan shares advice, resources, and stories to help others navigate the world of work while living with a chronic illness.

Living Well

17 Great Chronically Ill and Disabled Content Creators to Follow

There are countless chronic condition and disability advocates on social media committed to spreading awareness and breaking down stigma. Here are 17 who are making an incredible impact.

Living Well

How Movement Became My Medicine

I was only 4 years old when I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Slowly but surely I started to understand the consequences of missing playtime and not moving my body.

Living Well

Gardening Is My Mindfulness Practice of Choice — Here’s Why

Watching my plants grow and bloom, as well as the benefits of grounding, are just some of the ways gardening teaches me to be more mindful for my chronic illness.

Living Well

Painting Migraine Visions to Release Frustration and Find Peace

An interview with Priya Rama, an artist living with migraine. She shares how painting is therapeutic and helps her manage her experiences with chronic illness.

Living Well

5 Vitamins and Minerals to Be Aware of If You Live with Migraine 

There are so many products on the market that claim to treat migraine symptoms. Here's what to know if you're considering supplements.

Living Well

What to Know if You're Considering Taking Magnesium for Migraine

Research suggests that magnesium may help reduce migraine frequency and severity. This article covers the potential benefits of magnesium for migraine as well as the different types of magnesium.

Living Well

A Public Health Crisis: Preventing Loneliness in Chronic Illness

Loneliness is more prevalent than ever in the U.S. — and people with chronic illness are likely familiar with it. Here's how to stay socially connected even when symptoms or flare-ups get in your way.

Living Well

How ASMR Can Benefit People with Chronic Illness

If you live with a chronic illness, ASMR may help you feel relaxed, comforted, or even relieved from chronic pain. But triggers aren't the same for everyone.

Living Well

Should You Disclose Your Diagnosis at Work?

The decision of whether or not to share your chronic condition diagnosis with an employer or potential employer is personal. Here's my story and some things to consider as you make the choice.

Living Well

Consistency Is Overrated

Consistency helps us feel safe and reduces anxiety. But it also can create unreasonable expectations. Here’s how to redefine consistency (and success) so you’re OK with the ebbs and flows of life.

Living Well

The Mindflight Journal: A Journal for Chronic Illness

Meet Nicole and Aisley, the mom and daughter partnership behind the Mindflight Journal. Building from their own experiences, they've designed a journal for those living with chronic illnesses. Trust me, it's a game-changer.

Living Well

How to be Supportive When Your Partner Has a Chronic Condition

When your partner lives with a chronic condition it can be hard to know the best ways to support them. Here's how I would want a partner to support me in my daily life with chronic illness.

Living Well

The Importance of Being a Hustle Culture Dropout When You’re Chronically Ill

The constant pressure to go-go-go took a toll on both my physical and mental health. Then I realized I could opt out.

Living Well

6 Ways to Use the Spoon Theory to Improve Communication in Your Relationship

Communication is key to any healthy relationship. The spoon theory, a popular metaphor in the chronic condition community, is a tool that can help strengthen your bond.

Living Well

Why Making Exercise a Priority Helps Me Manage Migraine

Working out helps me manage migraine, but making exercise a habit is hard. Here are five types of movement that have helped me stay consistent in my exercise routine.

Living Well

How the Spoon Theory Helps Me Explain My Health

It can be hard to explain the way that a chronic condition impacts your daily energy. The spoon theory is a clever way to help get the point across.

Living Well

I Tried Integrative Medicine for Migraine — Here’s What I Learned

Some natural remedies are more widely researched than others, I'm grateful to have found a treatment plan that has helped me.

Living Well

Realistic Approaches to Setting Resolutions When You Live with a Chronic Condition

Living with a chronic condition often means working within your body’s parameters, which can mean editing your expectations. Always give yourself grace and remember that your New Year’s resolutions — if you choose to set them — don’t have to “match” anyone else’s. They only have to feel helpful to you.

Living Well

How I Make It Through the Holidays with Chronic Migraine

Despite the holidays being a joyful time for many, it can be a challenging time for those of us living with migraine. Holiday events can come with many triggers and often I feel pressure to be merry and join in on the fun. Here are five tips to make this holiday season less stressful and more festive if you live with migraine.The holiday season can feel stressful when you live with migraine. Preparing ahead and sticking to a routine can help.

Living Well

7 Tips for Talking with Friends and Family About Your Chronic Illness

Letting your loved ones know about your symptoms, triggers, and boundaries can help them better support you — and help you feel less alone. Writer and activist Nia G. explains how she approaches those conversations with her friends and family.

Living Well

Planning an Event? Here Are 6 Reasons It Really Needs to Be Accessible

Not only is it the law, but planning an ADA-compliant event shows you care about people living with disabilities.

Living Well

8 Things I Learned During My First Year of Being a Parent with Chronic Illness

Being able to have kids was my first surprise. I've faced a lot of other challenges and surprises in the first year of my son's life. Here's what I learned and my advice.

Living Well

7 Tips for Enjoying Live Music Events If You Live with Migraine

Music concerts can involve factors that trigger a migraine attack. Here are the steps I take to prepare for an event.

Living Well

Your Holiday Gift Guide for Spoonies, by Spoonies

These gift ideas, from seven small businesses run by people living with chronic conditions, will help make this holiday season even more festive.

Living Well

How to Create Holiday Boundaries When You Have a Chronic Condition

When you're living with a chronic condition, understanding and communicating your needs is imperative. These boundaries can be especially important during the busy holiday season.

Living Well

How I Navigate Professional Life While Living with a Chronic Illness

When I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), I was terrified that my career was over. These tips helped me adapt my work life so that I could excel.

Living Well

How to Set and Achieve Your Goals with Chronic Illness

Managing your chronic illness on top of life's everyday tasks can be overwhelming. These tips can help you find the motivation and inspiration you need to reach your goals.

Living Well

Vacation Migraine Attacks Are a Thing: Here’s How I Avoid Them

It can be stressful, frustrating, and painful when a migraine attack disrupts your vacation. Here is my advice for managing migraine on your next getaway.

Living Well

When You Don’t Live with a Chronic Condition, You Don’t See the Full Picture

Some of the most difficult parts of living with chronic illness are the aspects that others don't see.

Living Well

Should You Drive During a Migraine Episode?

People with migraine are legally allowed to drive without restrictions, but that doesn’t mean it’s a safe choice when you are in the middle of a migraine episode.

Living Well

Mindset Matters: Who Am I with Chronic Illness? Acceptance and Letting Go

Mindset Matters is a space to learn about the mental and emotional aspects of living with chronic illness. Nat Kelley, a certified life and mindset coach, shares how coming to terms with her ulcerative colitis diagnosis was hard, but it allowed her to build a more compassionate relationship with herself.

Living Well

When You Live With Chronic Migraine, Music Can Be a Blessing and a Curse

Music can trigger migraine episodes, but music therapy may also help people navigate chronic migraine. Nandini Maharaj shares how her relationship with music has evolved over the years as she has learned to manage her migraine symptoms.

Living Well

How My Dogs Help Me Navigate Chronic Migraine

The unpredictability of living with chronic migraine can be stressful. My dogs bring my life levity, comfort, and structure in a way that makes even my hardest days easier.

Living Well

5 Tips for Safe Backcountry Adventures When You’re Living with a Chronic Condition

Wherever you're starting out on your outdoor recreation journey, these five tips from experienced, outdoorsy chronic illness warriors will help you find your way.

Living Well

6 Tips for Setting Nutrition Goals When You Live with a Chronic Condition

6 Tips for Setting Nutrition Goals When You Live with a Chronic Condition

Living Well

What I Eat in a Day with Chronic Migraine

A migraine-friendly eating plan doesn't have to be boring or feel limiting.

Living Well

How Modeling Empathy to My Toddler Helps Me Navigate Chronic Pain

Learning to practice self-compassion when pain or emotional triggers arise can be a beautiful teaching moment for children.

Living Well

How Chronic Illness Helped Me Cultivate Better Reading Habits

Through bibliotherapy I've learned that books can offer greater insight and healing than I ever imagined, as long as I pay attention.

Living Well

5 Benefits of Disclosing Your Diagnosis While Dating

There is so much power, beauty, and potential that exists in revealing your health condition to a new dating partner.

Living Well

How to Communicate When Loved Ones Aren’t Accepting of Your Chronic Illness

Having a chronic illness can be a challenging experience, and it can feel even more challenging without the full support of those closest to you.

Living Well

5 Ways to Support Loved Ones Living with Migraine This Holiday Season

Heading into the holidays with migraine can feel incredibly daunting. If someone you know is living with migraine, here's how you can offer support this holiday season.

Living Well

The Value of Pursuing Hobbies When You’re Living with a Chronic Illness

Finding activities that you’re passionate about and can enjoy despite your condition can lead to a richer life.

Living Well

How to Be Your Own Best Advocate When You’re Living with a Chronic Illness

Good self-advocacy in medical settings requires a complicated balance of confidence and humility.

Living Well

How I Created Joy Through Chronic Pain and a Pandemic

This past year taught me that there is a resilience inside me that circumstances, including chronic migraine and the COVID-19 pandemic, cannot touch.

Living Well

Think You Can’t Have Good Sex After a Chronic Illness Diagnosis? Think Again

Your sex life shouldn't be halted because of bad advice, embarrassed doctors, or a lack of knowledge.

Living Well

5 Tips for Managing Pregnancy Challenges with Migraine

Managing migraine throughout pregnancy can be a challenge, but there are options that can help limit attacks.

Living Well

7 Tips for Living with Migraine in the Zoom Era

For many people living with migraine, constant Zoom calls and increased stress during the pandemic has led to more pain days. Here’s how to adapt to this new normal life with migraine.

Living Well

6 Tweaks to Make Working from Home with Migraine Work

Living with migraine is hard enough. Trying to do your job while staring at a screen from your couch during an attack can feel downright impossible.

Living Well

9 Ways to Make Long-Haul Quarantine More Sustainable

These tips may help add some ease to your quarantined days.

Living Well

How I Created Flexible, Remote Work While Living with a Chronic Illness

I was productive, I had purpose, and I was bringing in an income, all while taking good care of myself.

Living Well

Love and Disability: How to Tell Your Date About Your Chronic Illness

Knowing your person is out there doesn’t make disclosing your health history any easier, but these tips can help.