The impact of endometriosis: how to approach yourself with self care
Endometriosis is something I regularly see when working with my amazing clients. It’s often a condition that holds them back from feeling their best, disrupting any habits or positive changes on a monthly basis. Many women internalise this as not being disciplined enough when it comes to changes in their movement or nutrition. But if you were hit with a sledgehammer to the stomach every month – would you?
Of course, I’m being reductive here, but the point still stands. Chronic pain, especially cyclical pain, makes it damn near impossible to maintain the same routine and structure. So, how do you go about making positive changes in the face of this challenge? Babe, we’re going to chat about it.
Understanding your symptoms
As I mentioned in my last blog, the first thing to do is track your cycle and note how your symptoms change at different stages. Be specific about where you feel pain, rate it out of 10 (10 being unbearable, 0 being none), and take notes on how it affects your ability to do things. For example, have you had to change your routine, pull out of social plans, or forgo planned tasks such as housework?
This is not only helpful for better planning (see below) but also for giving you clear, tangible evidence of how this disease affects your life. So often, we minimise our pain or compare it to others. But I want you to truly see the impact it has—step back and acknowledge how unrealistic it is to expect the same from yourself every single week of your cycle.
Taking back control
Now that you have a clearer idea of the patterns in your pain, you can start looking ahead. This means being mindful of what your future self will need from you and from others. And yes, this does mean asking for help—girl, you deserve it.
Step 1
Write down all the things you can achieve on non-pain days.
What types of movement do you enjoy?
What physical tasks do you typically complete?
What work-related tasks do you find easier at this time?
What foods do you prefer when you're feeling better?
Step 2
Now do the same for high-pain weeks.
What feels good for you during this time?
Are there any types of movement (if any) that help?
What are some lower-energy tasks you can focus on at work? Are there any concessions your workplace could offer, such as remote working?
What foods do you crave when you're in pain?
Step 3
Create your game plan.
Make it clear and simple what you can and can’t achieve during these times so that you don’t experience ‘pain guilt’ when the time comes. Think about what you can do during lower-pain periods to support yourself when symptoms worsen. This could include batch cooking, doing a big food shop, deep cleaning the house, getting ahead on work tasks, or delegating responsibilities.
It’s also key to inform the right people—whether that’s your partner, family, manager, or colleagues—so they can support you and help ease high-pain periods.
Endometriosis doesn’t have to hold you back from living your life. In fact, the more you embrace and accept it as part of your reality, the more ease you can create around it. This isn’t to diminish the pain and disruption it causes, but rather to help you reduce the stress and pressure you put on yourself. Instead of resisting and putting on a brave face, be honest and reshape your life to better suit your needs.
You’ve got this, queen. And remember, if you need more personalised advice, I’m always here to help. Check out my blog for more hormonal spiel—and plenty of non-hormonal fun too.
Much love,
Jade
xo
