Bronchiectasis is Not a Race...

In my book, “The BE CLEAR Method to Living with Bronchiectasis,” I discuss 7 self-care areas that can potentially help manage our bronchiectasis.

They are:

Breathing practices
Exercise
Clearance of Airways
Laughter
Eating and Drinking
Alternative Care 
Relaxation, Rest and Sleep

The first letter of each of these 7 self-care steps creates the acronym  “BE CLEAR” - a practical and achievable approach to better health. 

Creating new habits is a topic that greatly interests me. Recently, I listened to an audiobook written by James Clear called, “Atomic Habits.” In his book, Clear uses the story of Sir David Brailsford who was a cycling coach for the British team. Before Brailsford took over coaching the team, they were not winning competitions.  He improved their chances by reviewing everything that impacted their performance including bike maintenance, clothing, exercise, diet and sleep. He then made small changes in all of these areas. This holistic approach worked and Brailsford and his team went on to win multiple Tour de France races.

This is a similar concept to the BE CLEAR Method. The biggest difference is we are not trying to win a race. We are looking to be our healthiest with a chronic condition. And we have time. Not all 7 steps need to be mastered immediately–there is no competition. We can choose an area that interests us and go with it for a while by trying to create new habits that support us. Then, in time, we can address other areas that could use improvement. Before we know it, we will have a strong self-care program and, hopefully, slow our lung disease progression. 

This system has worked for me. Over twelve months I have had three sputum tests and all showed no sign of the MAC infection I had during the previous four years. I’m not saying that I am “cured” because as we know, some of these lung bacteria do not want to leave us alone. But I am happy with how I feel and that I am headed in the right direction with managing my bronchiectasis.

Do you think the BE CLEAR Method might help you create a roadmap to better health? What new habit would you start with?

“The BE CLEAR Method to Living with Bronchiectasis” is available on Amazon .

#bronchiectasis
#COPD
#healthyhabits
#MACinfections
#NTMinfections