This month, I wanted to focus on self-love. With Valentine’s Day in February and love in the air, it’s the perfect time to turn some of that love inward. What are you doing for yourself this month?

Show yourself—and your lymphedema—some extra love with a few gentle, nurturing practices:

• Practice diaphragmatic breathing

• Do manual self-massage in the morning or before bed

• Recite positive affirmations, such as:
  I am filled with loving kindness. I am healthy. I am happy. I have peace of mind and ease of heart.

• Get outside for some fresh air and walk among the trees

• Dance to your favorite song

• Soak in a bath, exfoliate, and moisturize your skin

• At the end of the day, lie on the ground with your feet and legs up the wall for 10 minutes

Take a moment to list all the things you are doing right for your lymphedema. Celebrate those efforts. You are special and worthy of love. Don’t wait for someone else to tell you—tell yourself.

A Resource I’m Loving

One of the people I follow on Instagram is Leah from The Lymph Love Club. I love how she confidently wears a bodysuit that shows the lymphatic system and shares such interesting, educational posts. While researching for this article, I finally explored her website and discovered a fantastic blog, including “4 Things to Expect After Your First Lymphatic Drainage Session” and “The Battle of the Betters: Rebounder vs. Vibration Plate.”

Wow—what great information! I’ll definitely be visiting her site more often, and I encourage you to check it out too.

BCLA President - Sandi McConnach