The start of a new year always feels like a fresh page, right? You’ve got your goals, your plans, and your motivation to make 2024 the best year yet. But then, bam—a cold, a flare-up, or chronic illness hits, and suddenly it feels like your resolution might be
slipping away. It’s tough, but here’s the thing: just because your body is fighting something doesn’t mean your goals have to be put on hold. You can still achieve your dreams, even if it takes a little more creativity, patience, and self-compassion. Let’s talk about how to make your resolutions work for you when you’re sick or dealing with chronic illness—without adding any extra pressure.
1. Reframe Your Resolution Mindset
First, let’s shift the way we think about resolutions. They’re not just about doing more, but about finding ways to grow and feel better—physically and mentally. If you’ve got a goal like “be more creative” or “get in touch with my feelings,” illness or exhaustion doesn’t stop that. It just means you might need to get more flexible with how you do it.
For example, if you're into creating art but you’re too tired for painting or sketching, try Shadow’s Edge—a digital journaling and art tool specifically designed to help you process emotions and get creative even when you’re feeling sick or low on energy. Through storytelling, art creation, and guided journaling, Shadow’s Edge offers a safe, engaging way to express yourself, all while helping you stay emotionally connected to your resolutions and creative goals.
2. Keep Journaling (Your Way)
Journaling isn’t just for recording the events of your day. It’s a tool for emotional clarity, too. If you’re sick or feeling off, writing can help you process everything that’s going on. You don’t have to force long entries—sometimes just jotting down your thoughts or making quick lists can make a huge difference. Consider using a tool like Shadow’s Edge, which combines art and journaling in a way that’s both fun and therapeutic. You can create visual pieces, express your emotions through digital storytelling, and journal about your day without needing to write paragraphs or fill up pages. Whether you’re using words or images, Shadow’s Edge makes it easy to reflect on your feelings while staying creative—perfect for when you need to tap into your emotions but don’t have the energy for a traditional pen-and-paper journal.
The game is free to play and download on Google Play or Appstore.
3. Break Goals Into Tiny, Doable Pieces
When you’re dealing with illness, everything can feel more overwhelming. But here’s the trick: break your goals down into smaller, more manageable steps. Instead of focusing on the big picture—like hitting 10,000 steps a day—aim for something like 5 minutes of stretching or journaling for 5 minutes. It’s not about perfection; it’s about consistency and showing yourself that you’re making progress, no matter the pace.
Think of it like leveling up in a game. You might not hit the final boss right away, but every small win counts. Plus, those tiny victories build your confidence, even if you’re battling chronic illness on top of it.
4. Protect Your Mental Health
Illness doesn’t just affect your body; it can mess with your head, too. And that’s okay to admit. Mental wellness is just as important as physical wellness, and it’s normal to have days when things feel harder than others.
When you’re feeling down or frustrated, try to find small moments to boost your mood. Watch a favorite show, read, or listen to a podcast that lifts your spirits. And if you're in the mood to explore new forms of expression, consider using art or writing as a way to release some of that emotional weight. Tools like Shadow’s Edge can be a great way to combine storytelling, creativity, and emotional release—all in one place.
5. Embrace Flexibility and Self-Compassion
Remember: your resolutions aren’t set in stone. They’re a guide, not a rulebook. If you’re having a tough day, it’s okay to adjust. Missing a few days doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you’re human. The goal is to bounce back when you can, without feeling guilty for the times you need rest.
Self-compassion is key. Don’t be hard on yourself for taking things slower. Whether it’s focusing on emotional health or playing a game that taps into your creative side, progress comes in many forms. Be kind to yourself and recognize that your worth is not defined by how much you do in a day.
6. Stay Connected
Being sick or dealing with illness can feel isolating. But staying connected to people who understand can be a game-changer. Whether it’s chatting with friends online, participating in an online community, or simply checking in with loved ones, human connection is powerful. Even just a text or a quick call can keep you feeling grounded and remind you that you’re not in this alone.
And hey, if you need a creative way to stay connected, join the Shadow’s Edge community. There are tons of opportunities to collaborate, share your experiences, and meet others who are also using creativity to manage challenges.
Final Thoughts
Your New Year’s resolutions don’t have to fall apart just because life got in the way. Illness or chronic conditions may slow you down, but they can’t stop you from making progress in your own way. Stay flexible, be kind to yourself, and find creative outlets to help you process what you're going through.
And remember, taking care of your emotional health is just as important as any goal you’ve set for yourself this year. Whether it’s through art, journaling, or even tools like Shadow’s Edge, there are so many ways to stay connected to your dreams—even when things get tough.
You’ve got this, one step (or one game move) at a time. 💫💪