Top Five ... Day Three

Hi Gang,

It’s not long till Father Christmas comes but there’s still a teeny tiny amount of time to brave the crowds and head to the shops. 

With that in mind, today’s Top Five is another gift themed day. This time:

Gifts To Give The Chronically Ill 

Now, hang in there - stay with me. This will, probably be a long post. I couldn’t possibly narrow this down to five single items so instead I’ve gone for five themes of gifts (technically not cheating, right?!) Now these are necessarily in order of importance or need but just a general idea of helpful, thoughtful and considerate gifts. 

And if anyone is still looking for my perfect gift then I’ve left a handy hint below 😘

1. Subscriptions

This could be anything really. Magazines, Music, TV (seriously, what did we even do before Netflix??) Anything to distract and entertain I guess.

I personally love Audiobooks, as I find holding a book difficult and painful after just a short period of time. 

Alternatively there are practical subscriptions, like a prepayment card for prescriptions, beauty products or travel (bus passes etc) that help ease the day-to-day stresses. 

2. Comfort

Pyjamas. 

Enough said. 

I live in mine. I have pyjamas that I wear for bed, pyjamas I wear around the house but don’t sleep in. Pyjamas for colder days and pyjamas for warmer weather. I even have specific pyjamas for certain times of the month or ones that are particularly comforting when I’m having a bad day. 

I recent discovered Ivye Wear, a clothing brand specifically designed for us with chronic illnesses. They are comfortable, affordable and make outdoor clothing as comfortable and soft as your pjs. Check them out : 

https://www.ivye.com/blog/

3. Pain Relief

So this might also come under comfort, but I’ve been reading a lot about weighted blankets. They have proven successful for people with anxiety, stress and even some forms of autism. Now, I personally can’t imagine it would ease my pain, especially the constant restless leg sensation I have every night. However it does come highly recommended on several blogs, vlogs and research that I’ve seen. 

Pillows are a big deal. Sorry, but it’s true. Everyone has a pillow they prefer. Everyone has a certain way of arranging their pillows, and god help you if you get it wrong. 

Corner/Triangle or “pregnancy” cushions are fab, either to help prop you up in bed, pad certain sore spots when sleeping or just to hug if you feel lonely. 

What I have seen crop up on social media recently, is people buying foam wedge cushions. And, despite looking like a missing piece from Trivial Pursuit,  I quite like this idea. If you are like me, then you wake up each and every morning with chronic back stiffness and pain that literally feels like it’s shooting down from your waist to your knees. I sleep on my side, but end up having to back up against a wall with a pillow behind me to rest on so, actually I’m seriously looking into one of these wedges. 

Hot water bottles, Wheat bags, cool packs, ibuprofen gel, deep heat, deep freeze and basically any way to reduce pain without medications. 

4. Relaxation 

Going to the hair dresses, nail salon or just taking care of that unwanted hair, Sometimes taking time for yourself is good for your mental and physical health. Everyone deserves a pamper. Massages are a great way to relax, rejuvenate and relieve tired achy back, head and neck muscles or anywhere that is particularly painful.

Alternative medicines and holistic treatments are all the range these days. But it’s hard to try when they can be so costly. Now I understand that having multiple needles stabbed in and across your body doesn’t sound relaxing, but hundreds upon thousands of people swear by acupuncture to ease their aches and pains. For us chronically ill guys who have tried everything else, then why not give this a go? Gifting the cost of a few sessions could be the key to a loved ones pain free Christmas. 

5. Your time

Seems a little cliche, but Christmas is about spending time with your loved ones and not spending time dragging yourself about the local shopping centre.

If you are thinking about someone you know, who lives with a chronic illness, someone who is unlikely able to make the Christmas parties, carol singing and general festive merriment then why not gift them a bit of quality time. Make them a home cooked meal, or order a takeaway and watch a seasonal movie (my Top Five picks coming soon). Do some baking whilst singing along to the festive tunes. Put on your worst Christmas jumper and drink mulled wine or eggnog (or both) by the roaring fire. There’s Jigsaws or board games or just check in with your mate to see how they are getting on, because missing out on so many fun activities definitely does not give us festive cheer!! 

What do you think? Would you buy or like to receive any of these? 

What’s the best gift you’ve been giving?? Comment below and I’ll be back again tomorrow for Day Four 

❤️ 

xoxo