Can anybody live happier with vitiligo? It’s clear that the skin disorder can affect our emotional and psychological well being. As long as you feel distressed and stigmatized by the condition, it may bring you embarrassments, helplessness and low self-esteem. You could be subjected to whispered comments, antagonism, insult or isolation. Who can blame you; the unpredictable nature of the chronic skin disorder, long term treatment and lack of effective therapy can be demoralizing for anybody. This can generate psychological distress and disrupt your social life.
However, it is important to recognize and deal with psychological components of the chronic skin disorder to obtain a better vitiligo treatment response and remain happier with vitiligo How can you that? Well, by being happy.
“Health is Wealth”, is a well-known proverb that we all have learned since childhood, but how often do we take it seriously? Health and Happiness walk hand in hand. When our health is at stake, it takes away our happiness too. Vitiligans with healthy mind tend to live a richer and more fulfilling life. The more you help your mind the more you are helping your melanin cell to multiply. Here are some easy tips to help you lead a life that’s happier with vitiligo.
1. Eat healthy
Healthy diet is the master key that helps you unlock the doors of a healthy life and thereby happiness. It is a known fact that what we eat has a direct effect on our body fitness, but it also affects our mental happiness. Eating three healthy meals a day will keep your energy level up and you will feel active all day long. Eat lots of vegetables and fresh fruits daily. Avoid citrus fruits only when your treatment requires so. Vegetables are an abundance of necessary vitamins and minerals that keep us healthy and energized. Avoid junk food. It’s your body not a trash bag.
2. Drink plenty of water
You must have heard it before, but it’s worth repeating. It’s important to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily. If we start listing the benefits of water, it would never end up. Water is good for everything in your body. It keeps you hydrated, eliminates toxins and gives you a healthy and glowing skin.Always keep a bottle with you; if you see it, you will drink it.
3. Get enough sleep
At least 8 hours of sleep is what most of vitiligo fighters need. Enough sleep is a need of our body for proper functioning. Sleep improves stress and optimizes the physical and mental energy. One simple step you can take to ensure restful sleep is to go to bed earlier.
4. Exercise daily
When you exercise, your body releases Endorphins, which can greatly improve your mood. If you don’t feel uncomfortable to enter gym due to vitiligo, don’t worry. You don’t need to go to gym necessarily. Walking, cycling, gardening are easy ways to be physically active and also will give you a break from the monotonous routine. Walk to the park with your kids or neighbors you like to spend time with or any other physical activity you enjoy. You will notice a change in your mood, fitness and life at large. Aim for a total of about 30 minutes of exercise daily.
5. Get a hobby
In addition to vitiligo-led stress, we are so much under pressure of work these days that sometimes we forget about what we enjoy. It is important to take out some “me-time” from your hectic schedule and do whatever you love to; painting, cooking, reading, dancing, anything that can refresh you and set you up for living happier with vitiligo. This will help you cope with stress, will allow you to express yourself. Many people with vitiligo feel that adopting a pet and playing with him qualifies as the best stress-free hobby. You can also give it a try.
6. Practice positive thinking
It’s a proven fact that a healthy, positive attitude makes our immune system healthier and boosts overall health. Your body believes what you think. Never ever compare unfairly to others. Accept that you are unique. To overcome the negativity, make a list of your good qualities and remind yourself that you don’t have to be perfect, nobody is actually. Talk to yourself, set goals for what you want to improve, but don’t be overwhelmed. Look at the skin disorder differently. There are 7 Lessons you can learn from Your Vitiligo.
7. Be social and caring
Here comes the toughest part of living happier with vitiligo, but the ultimate step. Having a strong social network will never let you feel in isolation when you are going through tough times. Share your feelings with those you love and trust. Sharing heals. Sometimes all we need is love. Smile at someone who is staring at your depigmented skin. Find ways to get more love. Caring for others is a way of returning concerns and will help you maintain healthy relationships.