International Mind Body Wellness Day serves as an important reminder of the intricate relationship between mental and physical health, especially for individuals living with chronic illnesses like lupus. At Lupus LA, we understand the unique challenges faced by those with lupus and emphasize the importance of nurturing a holistic approach to health. In this blog post, we explore various ways to foster an optimal mind-body connection and highlight support tools, including Lupus LA’s free resources, to support you!

FOSTERING AN OPTIMAL MID-BODY CONNECTION:  

• Mindful Meditation:
  • How it Helps: Meditation reduces stress and anxiety, providing mental clarity and a sense of calm, crucial for managing lupus symptoms.
  • Practical Tips: Start with short, guided meditation sessions and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable. Check here for a list of our favorite apps and free tools for managing mental wellness.

• Gentle Physical Exercise:
  • Benefits: Activities like yoga and tai chi not only improve physical strength but also enhance mental resilience.
  • Getting Started: Join beginner classes or follow online tutorials tailored for individuals with mobility limitations or modifications. (Scroll down to view a list of FREE Modified Workouts for Lupus Patients from Lupus LA!) 

• Balanced Nutrition:
  • Impact: A nutritious diet supports both physical and mental health, helping manage inflammation and elevate mood.
  • Suggestions: Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods and consult with a nutritionist to tailor a diet plan suited to your needs. Watch our most recent Lupus Nutrition Series here. 

• Quality Sleep:
  • Importance: Adequate rest is vital for physical recovery and mental well-being.
  • Sleep Hygiene Tips: Establish a regular sleep routine, create a comfortable sleep environment, and limit screen time before bed. To learn more about the connection between lupus, sleep, and mental health tap here.

• Social Support:
  • Role: Engaging with a supportive community can provide emotional upliftment and reduce feelings of isolation.
  • Options: Join lupus support groups, participate in community events, or connect with others through online platforms. Join our community for updates.
    • Lupus LA’s support groups offer a platform to connect, share experiences, and find mutual support among those living with lupus. Visit LupusLA.org/supportgroups for details on how to participate.
    • 1-on-1 Virtual Lupus Support:We provide personalized support through virtual one-on-one sessions, offering guidance, resources, and a listening ear. Contact us at info@lupusla.org to set up a call.

• Professional Counseling:
  • Benefits: Mental health professionals can offer strategies to cope with the emotional aspects of living with a chronic illness.
  • Finding Help: Seek referrals from your healthcare provider or local health organizations.

FREE PATIENT RESOURCES FROM LUPUS LA

Lupus Support Groups: Lupus LA’s global Virtual Support Groups are here to help you learn more about lupus and how to cope with managing this illness. Being truly supported is a powerful feeling that many people with lupus long to have, and joining a support group can help you enormously in managing this unpredictable chronic illness. Our monthly support group sessions are free and open to the public. Learn more at lupusla.org/supportgroups.

1:1 Patient Support: Did you know that Lupus LA offers 1-on-1 support to lupus patients? Navigating healthcare and social service bureaucracies are not easy tasks – and we’re here to help. Whether you’re a newly diagnosed patient or need assistance navigating resources, our team can help you:

✔️ Find the right doctor (and specialists)

✔️ Get the most from your medical team

✔️ Prepare for doctor visits and navigate resources

✔️ Understand patient rights and responsibilities

✔️ And More…

If you or someone you care about has lupus – you are not alone. Reach out to our virtual care coordinator at info@lupusla.org.

MENTAL HEALTH VIDEO RESOURCES FROM LUPUS LA

🎥 Lupus & The Mind Body Health Connection with lupus patient and psychologist, Dr. Monica Blied

🎥 Navigating Lupus & Your Mental Health with Psychologist, Dr. Monica Blied

🎥 Navigating Lupus & Medical Trauma with Psychologist, Dr. Monica Blied

🎥 Lupus & Mental Health: Community Reintegration After COVID with Lisa Waldman, LCSW, MPH Psychotherapy

🎥 Mental Health & Wellness Tips with Joy Baldridge, CSP, CPC, CVP

🎥 Navigating Holiday Stress: Live Expert Q&A with lupus patient and psychologist, Dr. Monica Blied

GUIDED MEDITATIONS FOR LUPUS PATIENTS

🎥 Calm During COVID | A Live Guided Meditation for Lupus Patients with certified hypnotherapist and reiki practitioner, Dawn Hassman

🎥 Guided Meditation: Supporting Your Mental Wellness with mental health advocate and motivational speaker, Britt Turpack

NAVIGATING LUPUS & GRIEF

🎥 Anticipatory Grief and Lupus | Live Expert Q&A with Support Group facilitator, Ruth Padilla-King

🎥 Grief & Loss | Live Expert Q&A with Jill Johnson-Young, LCSW

MODIFIED WORKOUTS FOR LUPUS PATIENTS

🎥 Live Modified Chair Yoga Session with Dr. Monica Blied

🎥 Lupus-Friendly Workouts At Home with Juice and Toya

🎥 Free Live Yoga Session for Lupus Patients feat. Vee Desai, CEO of Beach Yoga SoCal

🎥 Live Guided and Modified Yoga Session for Lupus Patients with Victoria Gibbs 

🎥 Lupus-Friendly Home Workout #1 with Professional Trainer, Shannon Pawl Derby

🎥 Lupus-Friendly Home Workout #2 with Professional Trainer, Shannon Pawl Derby

🎥 Lupus-Friendly Home Workout #3 with Professional Trainer, Shannon Pawl Derby

NUTRITION RESOURCES FOR LUPUS PATIENTS

🎥 Lupus Nutrition Series Part 1: Lupus Symptoms and Healthy Eating for the Whole Family

🎥 Lupus Nutrition Series Part 2: Dietary Triggers for Lupus and Replacements 

🎥 Lupus Nutrition Series Part 3: Superfoods & Foods that Fight Inflammation

Honoring Mind Body Wellness Day is more than an observance; it’s about embracing a daily commitment to holistic well-being. By incorporating these practices into your routine and utilizing available support tools, you can foster a stronger mind-body connection, enhancing your ability to live your best life with lupus.

Embrace your journey with Lupus LA behind you! Connect with our community, participate in our support programs, and take proactive steps towards nurturing your mind and body. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. Together, we can face the challenges of lupus with strength and resilience. Join our Community!