Finding your flow: Building resiliency in the face of chronic illness
As a Board Certified Health Coach and RN at Jo Ann Green Health Coach, LLC, you know my mission is deeply rooted in helping individuals and families navigate a new diagnosis or a life-altering health event. Whether it’s recovering from a cardiac event or managing a long-term condition like diabetes, the physical journey is only half the battle. The other half? It’s the mental and emotional fortitude we build to stay strong.
I call it RESILIENCY
We often think about resiliency as the ability to “bounce back” - however, it’s also about learning to adapt, grow and learn in the process! Finding a new sense of vitality within our current reality.
The Science:
Recent research from 2024 - 2025 has shed some incredible light on how we can build this resiliency muscle. A review published in Frontiers in Psychology(2025) emphasizes that resilience is not just a personality trait- were not just born with it, but its a process of adaptation - and can be learned!
Research shows that Cognitive Reappraisal/reframing - when we change how we think - going from “What have I lost?” to “What can I still influence?” lowered the wear and tear on the body caused by chronic stress. Our thoughts impact our health.
Do This:
The "Three Good Things" Micro-Practice A 2023 study highlighted in Frontiers in Psychiatry found that documenting positive moments—even tiny ones—can rewire the brain’s "threat detection" system. (Some call this Gratitude Journaling).
The Move: Before bed, write down three specific things that went well. Maybe it was a cool breeze during a short walk or a clear explanation from your doctor. This shifts your focus from the illness to your life.
Active "Workarounds" over Avoidance Resilience isn't about ignoring limitations; it's about outsmarting them. 2024 research indicates that "adaptive coping"—finding workarounds—is a primary predictor of long-term quality of life.
The Move: If chopping vegetables is too painful, buy the pre-cut ones. If a full gym workout is too much, do five minutes of seated stretching. These small "wins" rebuild your sense of self-efficacy.
The Power of "Social Buffering" We used to think of resilience as an individual sport. Recent 2025 data proves it’s a team effort. Strong social support acts as a biological "buffer," actually lowering cortisol levels during health flares.
The Move: Reach out to one person today—not to talk about your illness, but just to connect. Whether it’s a family member or a support group, letting people in strengthens your internal "safety net."
Living with a chronic condition is difficult, you are not defined by your diagnosis. Please seek support and work to build a life worth living.
Ready to start building your resilience toolkit? I’d love to help you navigate your journey with more resilience and less overwhelm.
Would you like to schedule a complimentary 15-minute "Discovery Call" to see how personalized coaching can support your unique health goals? 813.468.1941 - contact me.
