Ep. 85: Getting Stronger with Chronic Illness: What Strength Really Means

What does it really mean to get stronger with chronic illness?In this episode, Rachel is joined by Charu — a mom of two living with autoimmune hepatitis and PBC — to talk about redefining strength in the chronic illness community.Together, they explore:• How the definition of “strength” changes after diagnosis • The balance between pushing forward and knowing when to rest • Starting small with movement — even 10-minute walks • Strength training while managing fatigue and medication side effects • Modifications like chair-based exercises and bodyweight movements • Maintaining strength vs. constantly trying to improve • Flare days, guilt, and learning flexibility • Meditation, body scans, and calming the nervous system when physical movement isn’t accessibleThis conversation is not about pushing harder. It’s about meeting your body where it is and finding sustainable ways to support your physical and mental health.As always, consult your medical provider before starting new exercise routines.Follow Charu on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/a.spoonful.0f.joy/If you’re interested in body scan mindfulness exercises, here are a few recommendations from Charu: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7mceqGJnxVGWzKBfCSYJR2?si=x4fcSXFdQFCRHk4dKT2B6Q&t=14YouTube: https://youtu.be/3X-_qx9Txto?si=te3Tt3E8C2kbOnzcFollow SpoonFull of Strength for podcast clips and updates at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/⁠And on TikTok at: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength⁠Looking for chronic illness merch? Visit SpoonFull of Strength’s Etsy shop at ⁠www.spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com⁠ Use code PODCAST for 25% off your entire order.