Stay Healthy This February: The Power of Prioritizing Yourself

 How prioritizing your well-being can help you navigate February

This month may seem never-ending, but it will eventually come to an end.

February has always presented a tangled web of emotions for me. The festive season is behind us, spring feels like a distant dream, and here in the Northeast, the bleak skies and icy temperatures appear to drag on forever. With the flu season peaking, this time of year poses its own set of challenges for anyone managing cystic fibrosis (CF).

This year, the reality of how seasonal affective disorder amplifies my struggles. It’s not solely CF fatigue; it’s the burden of shorter days, restricted time outdoors, and the mental cloud that descends with the early nightfall each evening. The combination of chronic illness and winter blues creates a cycle that’s tough to overcome during this chilly month.

When you’re feeling down and lacking motivation, self-care becomes a heavier task. When treatments are overlooked or rushed, your physical state worsens, which further dampens your spirits.

The secret for me has been letting go of the pursuit of perfection. Ten minutes of stretching counts. Five minutes of breathing exercises counts. Movement doesn't need to be organized or vigorous to be beneficial.

Maintaining connections

February’s timing is particularly harsh. As winter isolation peaks, flu season still insists on caution. I’ve had to think outside the box regarding my connections. Phone calls have made a big return. There’s something special about hearing a friend’s laughter, the nuances in their voice, and the authenticity that text messages simply can’t convey.

Last week, I participated in a virtual webinar. Also, on Sundays, I join virtual church gatherings. Just seeing others on the screen and being present in this way helps me feel more connected. I’ve also started virtual coffee chats and writing sessions, regular video calls with a few friends to catch up or work on writing projects. These interactions remind me that I’m not alone in managing this condition, in facing motivational hurdles, and in struggling with February’s challenges.

Attending to my well-being

On good days, this mindset shift works wonders. On tougher days, it feels more like self-deception. However, even on those challenging days,  and minimized as many obstacles as possible. 

It feels relentless right now, but February will not last indefinitely. I’m learning that managing CF through the tougher months means being kinder to myself, maintaining connections even when solitude seems safer, and moving my body despite my mind’s resistance. It entails recognizing that on some days, merely completing treatments is sufficient, and that this isn’t surrender — it’s simply showing up.

If you’re reading this and facing similar challenges, remember that you’re not alone in finding this month particularly burdensome. Each day, do your best to show up for yourself — through one treatment, one phone call, and one small movement at a time. Spring is just six weeks away. We can get through this!

Note: Cystic Fibrosis News Today serves strictly as a news and information outlet about the disease. It does not dispense medical advice, diagnoses, or treatments. This content is not intended as a replacement for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have concerning a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it due to something you read on this website. The views expressed in this column do not reflect those of Cystic Fibrosis News Today or its parent organization, Bionews, and are meant to foster discussion on topics relevant to cystic fibrosis.