October S.L.I.D.E is something I had never heard of until my diagnosis. My friends were posting about it and how to get through it and it all made sense and felt so relatable. It is basically a spoonie term for when symptoms heighten and chronic illnesses flare at the beginning of fall and autumn. The darker days can make our moods heavier and we lack vitamin D due to the lack of sunlight. It's a time where we feel bogged down by school work, lose motivation to work out, illnesses increase, etc.
If you are beginning to feel like crap, you are not alone. A lot of us do. I have noticed I am having a lot of minor flares, even though I am "doing everything right." It's getting harder to get out of bed and go to class. I'm needing more naps. Etc.
Here are some easy self care ideas to help get through rough October days:
do a face mask
take a nap
get some soups and things that are easy to digest/ heat up so you don't have the added stress of cooking an elaborate meal
drink more water and tea
invest in a coloring book
establish an easy self-care routine
try to do something active (even just. yoga practice) for thirty minutes. This does not have to be a long workout, just something to get your body moving
diffuse some oils
Remember this is just a season. You will get through this and we are all here to support you. I hope these suggestions help and that everyone has a great fall and October.
Yours truly,
Kaitlyn
@trusting.my.gut
