Living Your Best Life: Adjusting Mind, Body, Spirit

Some people find the life they had planned sidelined by a diagnosis of a chronic disease. But a great life doesn't have to end with the diagnosis. Many individuals find their lives can be just as rewarding if they simply start living their "best life."

The fall issue of Lupus Foundation of America's (LFA) national magazine, Lupus Now, includes stories of people with lupus who transformed their lives following their diagnosis. The magazine offers tips to make life special through adjustments to mind, body and spirit. The advice applies not only to the 1.5 million Americans with lupus; it's applicable to anyone with a chronic condition.

TRAIN YOUR BRAIN - The first key to living your best life is to be mentally alert. "Pay attention," says memory fitness specialist Kathryn Kilpatrick. "Develop strategies to stay focused. Keep your brain oxygenated through regular exercise and a nutritious diet." To remain mentally fit: listen well, write things down, get rid of distractions, and be aware of interruptions.

GET PHYSICAL - Develop an appropriate physical fitness routine that matches your lifestyle. "Use preventative care while you're young," says Dr. Jill Buyon of the Hospital for Joint Diseases at the New York University School of Medicine. "Take care of yourself before you get into a bad situation," she says. To stay healthy: eat well, get plenty of rest, watch your weight, drink alcohol in moderation, and don't smoke.

BEAUTIFUL SOUL - What good is a fit mind and a strong body without something that feeds your soul? Nurturing your spirit and passions may be the most important key to a life that's complete and fulfilling. Prayer, volunteering, and taking up a creative activity can feed your spirituality. Live with hope for the future. Be the best you can be, no matter how that's defined.

Lupus Now includes the latest information on new treatments, clinical updates, lifestyle and wellness features, personal stories, and more.