02/07/2026
How are you coping in the heat?
I have a chronic pain condition, and the heat is causing a ‘flare-up’, which will be an all too familiar term to those of you with chronic pain and fatigue!
What this means for me is that I experience more pain and am less able to do day to day tasks like short errands, or anything that involves standing or queuing, and if I do those things, they have an impact on my other tasks and activities.
I have to adjust my expectations, and the expectations of others, about what I can do during a flare up. This is an ongoing challenge - you don’t do it just once, it changes depending on the circumstances. What the work/task is, whether I’m working or interacting with someone new, what else I’ve done or have to do. The work of planning and adjusting to flare-ups is an additional burden for disabled people, and it often comes with a jumbo helping of shame and guilt.
I know I’m not alone in this experience. I’ve trained to understand disability and neurodivergence, so I can factor this knowledge in to how I work as a coach. I think coaching can really help with processing fluctuating access needs. When we work together, we can look at emotional and practical tools and strategies to ease the impact of flare-ups and remove or reduce barriers to living comfortably. This can focus on work and/or personal life - it’s all interconnected. Oh, and you can show up however you need to - sitting comfortably, lying down, short or long sessions - all adjustments are available, with no judgement or expectations.
I’ve got capacity for new coaching clients, and would love to hear from you if you want some help dealing with heat-related flare-ups, or anything else. You can book a free no-obligation discovery call at the link in the comments, or message me if you have questions.
I take inspiration from my cat, Luna, who displays no shame or guilt whatsoever about taking naps.
Image description: A tabby cat curled up asleep
