Life With CVID: 3 Daily Habits That Improve My Wellbeing

1. Walking or movement every day (if possible).

When you are living with a chronic illness like CVID, exercise isn’t always about hitting intense fitness milestones—it’s about celebrating what your body can do on any given day. Gentle movement helps keep joints moving and boosts circulation.

I track my steps every single day. A great day for me is 10,000-12,000 steps. However, I normally try to get around 7,000. A step goal is fun and motivating for me, especially when I don’t have time or energy for the gym. I do strength training at least twice a week right now, but that varies heavily on my health and how I feel after work.

Some days your body will demand total rest, and honoring that is just as important as taking a walk. By focusing on low-impact, flexible movement, you can support your physical health without pushing yourself into pain. Remember to give yourself grace on the days where energy is low!

2. A little treat – having coffee or tea.

In the routine of managing symptoms, appointments, and medications, it is incredibly grounding to carve out a moment just for joy. One of my favorite rituals is walking to a local coffee shop for an iced latte or heating up some water on my stove in the morning for some tea.

It’s easy to say that we don’t need to spend $6 on a coffee. But, for me it’s more than just a coffee. It’s a little break from a busy schedule to get outside and clear my mind.

You deserve a little treat, especially on those days where the doctor’s appointment is heavy or your mind feels cluttered.

3. Expelling negative thoughts of guilt, shame, or worry.

Living with a chronic condition often comes with an invisible emotional burden: guilt over letting people down, shame for not being “productive” enough, or constant worry about the next crash. Holding onto these negative thoughts only creates extra stress, which can take a tangible toll on your physical wellbeing.

Learning to consciously recognize and expel these feelings is a vital part of self-care. Swapping self-criticism for self-compassion means acknowledging that your illness is not a personal failure, freeing up precious mental energy to focus on healing and peace instead.

When I have a negative thought, it’s helpful for me to name it and recognize it for what it is. It’s just a thought – not reality. If I live in a world of just my thoughts, I will get lost in negative emotions and never fully enjoy myself.

You deserve wellness, despite chronic illness.

True wellness doesn’t mean living a symptom-free life; it means finding peace, joy, and purpose right in the middle of the messiness. By prioritizing gentle movement, embracing small daily moments of joy, and practicing self-compassion, you are actively reclaiming your life from your diagnosis. Healing is rarely linear, and some days will always be harder than others, but you are worthy of a life that feels good to live. Be gentle with yourself today, celebrate your tiny victories, and remember that you are doing a beautiful job navigating a very difficult road.