I don’t always have to give 100% with Cushing’s disease

This year, I have new motivation. I’m hoping to have a healthy pregnancy sometime between now and 2026, and to do that I need to change a few habits. I’m adding a few vitamins, working on cutting out processed food, and trying to be more consistent with my workout plan. I may never be perfectly healthy, but an easy pregnancy is the best motivation I’ve ever had for focusing on day-to-day health.

When I started this journey toward a healthy pregnancy, I tried to give it my all. I tried to work out every day, eat correctly all the time, and be the perfect picture of health. But the pressure of owing it to my future child got to me, and I ended up ignoring my body’s needs. When I was tired, I’d try to push through. If I were hungry, I’d eat healthily or not at all.

It’s a trap I’ve fallen into a hundred times. When my health is stable and my medication is working, I sometimes forget just how bad Cushing’s disease can be. And when I push myself too hard, I end up stuck in bed with a bad flare-up.

I can’t let my body burn out. It’s unsustainable, and frankly, I’m sick of spending days in bed. Therefore, I’ve adopted a more well-rounded approach to my health. Something is always better than nothing, which is the philosophy I now live by.

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Letting go of the pressure to give 100%

I have goals, such as working out three times a week. I hope to get to a point where I’m consistent with that, and maybe even increase it to four times a week. However, when my body isn’t cooperating, I don’t have to give each day 100% of my energy, and I don’t have to be perfect. Even if I’m putting in 5% to 10% more effort, that makes a huge difference.

For example, I work out at home and love using workouts I find on YouTube. One of my favorite channels there is “growwithjo.” I find her workouts to be well-labeled and her energy to be high. I also like the variety of content featured in her videos.

I’ll approach a workout depending on how I feel that day. If I feel fantastic, I’ll do one of her workouts all the way through. I’ll probably pick one with more of a focus on cardio. If I’m feeling just OK, however, I might choose a low-impact workout, such as yoga. If I’m feeling downright crappy, I’ll put on a video, sit on the floor, and watch it while I stretch. That’s it!

Watching and putting aside time for working out, even if I’m doing the bare minimum, helps me build the habit. The same concept goes for eating whole foods and a balanced diet. On a perfect day, that might look like three square meals full of protein, fiber, probiotics, and no carbs. But there are days when I can’t get out of bed and the only thing I can stomach is a banana. When these days occur, I like to look at recipes that I can look forward to making when I’m feeling better.

Changing your life doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t work if you try to give 100% all of the time. Life changes happen in the 1%, the 5%, and the 20% ranges. Give yourself grace, as 2025 is the perfect year to love our bodies where they are.

You can also follow my journey on TikTok and YouTube.

Note: Cushing’s Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cushing’s Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Cushing’s.