HAWMC Day 23: Uniform for the Chronically Ill

Welcome to the Health Activist Writer’s Month Challenge brought together by WEGO Health – a social network for all health activists.  Again, I am participating in the annual Writer’s Month Challenge in which I will be writing about my health activism and health condition based on given prompts.

Thursday 23rd April: Health Activist Choice 

Write about whatever you like!  Got a great story, opinion, or tip to share?  Tell us here.

On days like today, when we are giving free rein to what we can write about, it can be difficult to know what to say.

Add, a very bad day because of debilitating symptoms and it’s even more difficult.

I looked through books and pages on the internet, but due to the way I was feeling, all I really wanted to do, was to throw on a pair of pyjamas, crawl into bed and stay there for the foreseeable future (or at least until the symptoms subsided to a manageable level).

And then it hit me! Why not write a post about pyjamas?

In my opinion, pyjamas are very often the top of a spoonie’s wish-list.  In my experience, when I am doing some online shopping, or on the rare occasions I venture into clothing stores, I am always browsing the nightwear section and lusting after more lovely and comfortable pyjama sets.

And why is this?

As a spoonie myself, it often seems that when I am experiencing a bad flare in the severity of my symptoms, as I am experiencing currently, then I spend a lot of time wearing pyjamas.

Even when I haven’t worn pyjamas for the entire day, I still like to get changed into mine straight after dinner!  My perfect day would involve wearing pyjamas whilst enjoying a film and munching on some popcorn!  Bliss!

Pyjamas, you could say are the uniform for the chronically ill!  There are several different reasons for this:

1. The fatigue is so bad that we do not have the energy (or spoons) to get washed and dressed
2. They are so much more comfortable and comforting than regular clothes
3. They are easy to put on and are warm
4. They are fun!

Fashion bloggers are always providing us with new inspiration on the latest fashions and advising us what to buy.  But, unfortunately for spoonies, pyjamas are often left out, so I thought I would share some of my favourite pyjamas:

Duvet Day Pyjamas – Next £26

These sum up the spoonie lifestyle brilliantly, don’t they?  Everyone needs a duvet day sometimes, but these days are much frequent when living with a chronic illness.  Perhaps a pair to wear on bad days that tell friends and family that you are struggling.

Stripe Slogan Pyjamas – Next £18

I love these PJ’s as soon as they saw them as it immediately made me think of my cruise that we are going on in September!  And the slogan provides a little bit of positivity which is very much needed during a flare or relapse

Butterfly Print Pyjamas – Next £16

I could not resist adding these as they have butterflies, which as you all will know by now is one of my favourite things!

Florence + Fred Butterfly Print Pyjamas – Tesco £10

Need I say any more?  And with ‘Do Not Disturb’ adorning the top, it’s a great way of telling people to stay away when life gets tough (know how sometimes we need to be left alone and be by ourselves when things are really bad).

F + F You are My Sunshine Pyjamas – Tesco £10

I saw these and thought they would be a lovely gift to put inside a care package for a person with chronic illness.

Very practical as PJ’s are always desired and needed when living with a chronic illness, but also remind them that they are loved and well-though of.

Those are some of my favourite pyjamas that are out there at the moment – what are yours?  And you love pyjamas as much as I do? Would love to hear your thoughts!