Fun things to do when you have M.E. Part 1

When you have a chronic illness it can be difficult to know how to teat yourself. Here is list of some of the things that I do for fun!

Go for a car ride

If you have a family member who can take you out for a scenic car ride it can really lift the spirits to see something new. I love going back to the same places and watching the seasons change. It is also good to go to places where you are likely to see nature or animals.

Whilst looking for an appropriate photo for this post I found the following picture.  A few years ago my parents took me out for a drive over the hills to try and find some wild horses. We stopped nearby and gradually they came over. One got a bit too close for comfort though and started nibbling on the windscreen wiper! This was quite a shocking experience for me trapped in the back seat!

Always have a camera to hand!

Write a letter

They are great to receive, and if you write one you might get one back!  This can be especially good for people who struggle with screen glare.  It also allows you to take as many breaks as you want without disturbing the other person unlike phoning and skyping.  You can take as long as you want writing them too, and no one will know!  There is something very therapeutic about spending time poring over a heart felt letter, it is much more satisfying than email!  You have the opportunity to show a lot of care and attention, to really make the other person feel valued.  A few of my friendships have really benefited from letter writing and some even began that way!  Receiving a surprise letter could make a person's week, it is amazing to know that you can bring another person such joy!

Papercase stationary

Watch a T.V. show film with friends or family

I have watched a few T.V. series with friends; it's a really good way of making sure you see each other.  As an unwell person life can get quite mundane sometimes, and it can be difficult to find new things to discuss.  For me something as simple as this can really make the difference in a friendship.  Sometimes it's the small things that mean the most.

Many of my birthday parties over the years have been film evenings.  I usually invite about 5-10 people and order in food.  For my 21st birthday party we watched Dan in Real Life and ate pizza!

Image source

Have a pamper session

Do your hair, or get someone else to do it for you, paint your nails, have a massage, use a foot spar, use a face mask. The opportunities are endless! All of theses things are good bonding time with whoever your doing it with.  If your doing it on our own, it is top quality 'me time'.

When I meet up with my M.E. friends there are almost always face masks involved. 

Photography by Sarah H 

There are loads of other ways to treat yourself when you have a chronic illness, I have called this part 1.  Looking back on my M.E. journey these things have brought me a lot of joy!  Perhaps you do some of these things too.