Do you experience setbacks or flare-ups even after making big improvements to your diet? Maybe just as you begin to feel better, a flare-up hits out of nowhere. This can be frustrating, but setbacks are normal. Don’t lose hope—here are some strategies to help you manage setbacks and keep moving forward toward a healthier, symptom-free life.
Why Do Setbacks Happen?
Setbacks are an expected part of your health journey. Your body has been dealing with chronic illness for a long time, so it’s natural that repairing will take time, too. When you experience a setback, remember that this doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means your body is still working to repair underlying issues. Over time, these setbacks will become less frequent, and you’ll experience longer periods of relief.
Read our full article to understand why setbacks and flare-ups occur. This will help greatly in accepting and understanding setbacks as you are working on getting rid of your symptoms.
What Triggered Your Setback? (And Why It’s OK If You Don’t Know)
When you experience a setback, take a moment to reflect on what may have triggered it. Ask yourself:
- Was I stressed?
- Did I get enough sleep?
- Did I eat more trigger foods?
This self-reflection can provide valuable insights into what may have contributed to your flare-up. However, avoid over-analyzing—sometimes there’s no clear cause, and that’s okay. The most important thing is to practice self-compassion and remind yourself that this is not a failure, but a part of the path to getting rid of your struggles.
What Do You Need Right Now to Get Through This?
If you’re experiencing a setback, take a moment to assess what you need to get through it. People cope in different ways, and it’s essential to figure out what works best for you. Some ideas might include:
- Talking to a supportive friend
- Taking a peaceful walk in nature if possible, or even looking at a tree or something beautiful
- Practicing meditation or taking a nap
- Lemon Balm tea with raw honey to soothe the nerves
Remember, you did not cause your illness.
You didn’t manifest it or draw it into your life—so don’t believe that narrative.
You are taking control of your health, and while it’s hard, you can do it.
Setbacks don’t mean failure; they are part of the process. Stay consistent, and progress will follow.
How to Build a Strong Foundation for the Future
Achieving long-term symptom relief requires consistency and perseverance. Setbacks will happen, but there are strategies to build a strong foundation to make you able to manage them better when they arise:
1. Revisit Your Heart Goals
Heart goals are aspirations connected to your core values that inspire and motivate you deeply. Rather than just focusing on symptom relief, think about what truly matters to you—whether it’s spending more time with family, traveling, or pursuing your hobbies. These heart goals will keep you grounded and motivated, even through the toughest times.
2. Read Success Stories
Reading the stories of others who have overcome similar challenges can be incredibly motivating. Knowing that others have been where you are and have come out stronger can remind you that your own recovery is possible.
3. Stay Motivated with Our Newsletter
Let’s be real—staying motivated when you’re dealing with ups and downs isn’t easy. But consistency is the secret to real progress, and we get that it can be tough to stay on track. That’s exactly why we created our newsletter—to be your personal motivator! We’ll send you regular boosts of encouragement, inspiring stories, and actionable tips, all designed to keep you moving forward on your journey.
Don’t miss out—sign up now and let us support you every step of the way. Your inbox will be your new go-to for motivation and practical advice!
Also, follow us on Instagram for motivational videos and tips to help you reach your goals faster.
4. Build a Support Network
You don’t have to go through this journey alone. Having a strong support system can make a huge difference when setbacks arise and keep your motivation. Whether it’s family, friends, or a community of people with similar goals, leaning on others can keep you motivated and remind you that setbacks are part of everyone’s path.
Find someone who believes in you, share your heart goals, and ask for their support in staying consistent. Share this article with them and explain how they can help you manage setbacks and keep you on track. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, believe in your progress, and remind you of your ability to take control of your health.
5. When to Get Professional Guidance
If you’re feeling totally overwhelmed or not able to cope with everything over time—physically, mentally, or both—it might be time to seek one-on-one support from a professional. Many chronic illness survivors have found that working with a professional was the turning point in their healing journey. If you’re unsure who to reach out to, we can recommend experts who understand the complexities of chronic illness and dietary changes.
Professionals can offer tailored plans and mental support when your efforts don’t seem to be bringing the progress you expect. Sometimes, a little guidance from someone experienced can make a big difference. Reach out to us if you need recommendations or guidance.
6. Track Your Progress Over Time
One of the best ways to stay motivated through setbacks is to track your progress over time. Keeping a journal of your symptoms, diet, sleep, and stress levels can help you see patterns and recognize improvements that might otherwise go unnoticed. This way, even if you experience a flare-up, you’ll be able to look back and see how far you’ve come. Look back 3 or 6 months and notice how you actually improved in many ways.
7. Keep The Long-Term View
The path to better health is a long-term commitment. Progress might be slow, but with consistent effort, you can achieve significant results. It’s important to remind yourself that setbacks are temporary and that with each small step forward, you are moving toward a healthier, happier future.
8. Have Compassion and Love for Yourself
Above all, be kind to yourself. Getting rid of chronic symptoms is hard work, and it’s okay to have moments of struggle. Treat yourself with compassion, celebrate your efforts, and remember that setbacks don’t define your journey—they are simply part of it.
With these tools, you can confidently face setbacks, knowing they are part of the process and not a sign of failure. Keep moving forward, and remember—you’re on the path to a healthier future.
Reach Out—We’re Here for You!
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need extra support. Sign up for our newsletter or reach out to us directly—we’re here to help you navigate your journey to better health and we would love to hear from you.
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