Popular New Year’s resolutions don’t always apply to those with CF
What to remember as we reflect and set goals for 2025
The end of 2024 is upon us, which means it’s time to reflect on the past year and evaluate ourselves and our decisions. It’s also a time for resolution — the promise to implement positive life changes in the new year.
Many New Year’s resolutions focus on exercise, with goals of more consistency, improved health, or weight loss. However, I live with cystic fibrosis (CF), which generally involves malabsorption issues that result in poor weight gain. Many of us with CF must focus on gaining weight instead.
How many times have you heard, “Oh, you get to gain weight? You’re so lucky!” While this is generally said in a joking manner, those of us with CF know it’s no joking matter, as we face growth issues and many other complications.
When I received a double-lung transplant in 2020, I was severely underweight and had lost a large portion of my muscle mass. Since the surgery, I’ve made steady and consistent progress with gaining weight and muscle mass. Being more active means my body doesn’t have to work as hard to oxygenate itself. Exercise has been vital for me.
Another popular New Year’s resolution is improving personal finances. This might include reducing expenses or frivolous spending, creating a monthly budget, paying off debt, or starting an emergency fund.
Many people living with CF have difficulty maintaining financial stability. Firstly, we might not be able to have a career or hold steady employment due to the symptoms, exacerbations, and treatment burden of this disease. In addition, the cost of health insurance, deductibles, hospitalizations, and medications are exorbitant on their own. The nutritional requirements can also carry a heavy cost, whether it’s for food or dietary supplements. Many lack steady housing or funds to cover utilities or transportation.
A third popular resolution is to improve mental health. This seems to be more of a priority now than ever before, and for good reason, as mental health plays an important role in our overall well-being.
The mental and emotional tolls are great for those of us living with CF and our families. With shortened life expectancies, multiple procedural and hospitalization-related traumas, medication side effects, and more, this resolution can be a mountain to climb. Practicing mindfulness and gratitude can be a tall order, and it won’t wipe away all of the mental health issues that can arise due to this disease.
Limiting screen time and social media use has been linked to improved mental health. However, people with CF are often unable to see each other in person due to the risk of infection. For many of us, social media is a way to connect with others facing similar challenges, which can help us reduce anxiety and depression.
Making resolutions with CF
During this season, if you have CF, I encourage you to give yourself some grace as you reflect and set any new goals for 2025. Despite what anyone else may say, those of us with CF already do a lot just by being alive. Be sure to recognize that and don’t feel pressured to set the same goals as others. The playing fields aren’t even physically, financially, or emotionally.
I know many adults living with CF, and what I find to be true across the board is that we are fighters — to the point that we may push ourselves to do too much or go harder and faster than our bodies and minds can handle. I know I’m guilty of this myself. I’ve often found myself taking one step forward and two steps backward because of this “fighter’s syndrome,” as I like to call it. Remember life is a marathon, not a sprint.
Regular light exercise, focusing on the positive, getting good sleep, practicing self-care, and eating a healthy diet are ways we can minimize the mental and emotional toll of CF. We can set loftier goals but ensure they’re personalized to our own dreams and passions. Every day is a gift for every single person on this planet. Remember that as you begin your reflection and your resolution.
Happy holidays to all!
Note: Cystic Fibrosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cystic Fibrosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to cystic fibrosis.
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