Studying with Chronic Illness: 4 Strategies to Cope and Excel
Working from home can be the ultimate answer if you have a chronic condition. The arrangement gives you more control over your surroundings. However, you must also speak up when you need the right tools to do your job well. Consider these tools and tips for a better and healthier work life.
Why Working Remotely Could Be The Answer
If you deal with an illness or mobility issues, remote work can be a godsend. There are many perks to a remote arrangement if you have a chronic condition, including the fact that staying at home can prevent additional illnesses that can be transmitted in in-person settings, like when someone still goes to the office with the flu or a bad cough. By staying at home, you can manage your condition without getting sick from people at work, which could complicate your illness.
Many people have found that remote work can allow them to do what’s necessary to deal with their chronic condition without the frustration that can occur in an office. For instance, folks with multiple sclerosis may need more frequent access to a restroom, which is something that can be more easily accommodated at home. Remote work also allows for multiple forms of communication, so you can always reach out to management if you need to. If your hands hurt, you can get on a video call. You can also reach out on a chat program if you’re feeling sick.
Of course, remote work does have its downfalls if you don’t take control. You can be so happy working from home that you extend your hours too far and fail to monitor your illness. There’s also the potential for increased isolation, which in turn is not good for your mental health. You need a work-life balance. Start by setting your working hours and sticking to them. Also, don’t take your work with you. Clock out on time and spend time with family and friends, or do something you love.
Communicate With Your Employer
While you’re not obliged to share your chronic illness with your employer, doing so isn’t a bad idea and can make life easier. Even when you work from home. Also, remember that it’s illegal for your employer to discriminate against you based on your illness.
Letting your manager know is crucial if you have any limitations at your job. A big one might be that you need to go to doctor’s appointments regularly. If you’re a good employee with a solid work ethic, then most companies will have no problem giving you a modified schedule. If you’re concerned that your in-person doctor’s visits may become overwhelming, remember that you have the option for telehealth and online therapy. Logging on during your lunch to speak to your doctor could be much easier than getting in a car, driving, waiting, and potentially spending the whole day to get the same results.
If you need more than what your home workspace provides, it’s time to ask for ADA accommodation. You qualify for a disability if you have a permanent, temporary, and even a non-apparent health concern. You can ask for accommodation if you can’t see the computer screen, hear during meetings, or get into or move about the building at will. Talk to your manager; if you don’t get results, elevate it to the human resources department.
Get your talking points in order and explain your situation and what you need to do your job comfortably and without pain. Forms of accommodation and assistive technology include:
- Speech-to-Text Software: Make it easier to understand meetings and videos on the computer.
- Ergonomic Tools: Pencil grips, modified mouse pads, and other tools that keep you comfortable.
- Mobility Aids: Wheelchairs and walkers that help you move within your home office.
Self-Care Is Key
Although you have a great arrangement at home, it’s essential to remember that life isn’t all about work, especially when you have a chronic illness. The best way to stay on top of your health is to never skip your scheduled breaks and lunches. Use them wisely. Keep up with your medication, eat a healthy lunch, and get outside and exercise gently. Also, rest is essential when trying to remain healthy, so if you have to call out of work one day to sleep, consider doing so.
You also need to take care of your emotional well-being. When you’re not feeling your best, it’s possible that you could start to develop a poor self-image. If you do, you could feel bad. Then, your mental health could suffer along with your job performance.
Creating a positive self-image can help your career because you’ll think more highly of yourself and be better equipped to handle stress. Plus, you may be more willing to take on new challenges. That alone could help to bring your career to new heights. If you believe your self-image is a problem, keep working on your self-care and exercise. Therapy is also an option. You’ll get to the root of your lack of confidence and find ways to live your best work life, even when you have a chronic illness.
These are helpful ways to manage your chronic illness and be happy while working remotely. Try these tips and do what’s best for your physical well-being, and you can succeed at your job.
* Top image by Annushka Ahuja via pexels.com
