Staying Active On Dialysis
Life on dialysis doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stop working or drastically restrict activity. In fact, there are plenty of advantages to staying on the job or being active and productive in general. Staying busy and engaged while on dialysis can be a great way to thrive and succeed—not to mention retain a little normalcy in your life.
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Getting Back to the Things You Enjoy
Dialysis gets you on the road to feeling better. It may take a little while, but your energy should eventually return to what you consider normal. You can get back to doing the activities you enjoy as long as you don’t find them too strenuous. Have questions about how hard to push yourself? You should always check with your doctor first.
Five great hobbies for people with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
Master dialysis-friendly cooking
Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a professional chef, now is the time to learn how to cook in a way that serves the unique needs of your condition. Collect healthy, dialysis-appropriate recipes, experiment with new spices, and learn to understand the nutritional value of everything you make.
Travel
Yes, you can still travel even if you’re on dialysis. If you’re doing dialysis with us, Fresenius Kidney Care Patient Travel Services can make arrangements for all of your dialysis needs to be met—anywhere in the United States.
Get creative
Learning a new skill, like pottery, painting, knitting or photography, can be a fulfilling journey of self-discovery. Some people are even able to turn their newfound hobby into a career.
Explore the great outdoors
Getting back to nature is a great way to unwind from all of the changes that are going on in your life. Studies show there are multiple benefits to being outdoors—from easing fatigue to improving creativity.
Develop a green thumb
Gardening is an art form, an active hobby and a great way to put fresh food on your plate. You can grow little pots of herbs or flowers by the kitchen sink—or cultivate a full-on garden with healthy fruits and veggies to eat.
MY FOODS TO CHOOSE
Shopping gets easier with a list of kidney-friendly foods to choose.
Foods to Choose for ESRD
Putting your mind to it
Living with dialysis is as much about your emotional health as it is about your physical health. Studies show that positive thinking can actually change your brain chemistry and enhance how you feel about yourself. For most people, positive thinking and meditation take practice. Allowing yourself to feel whatever you’re feeling without judgment is a great place to start.
Four ideas for positive thinking
- Be in the moment
Whether it’s doing your job or simply chatting with a friend, focusing on being “in the now” is much more rewarding than thinking about what may or may not happen in the future. - Less is more
Rather than trying to accomplish too many things at once, take on one thing at a time. Simplifying your to-do list and focusing on the things that are most important to you will make your time spent doing them richer. - Keep an open mind
You’re going to have a lot of new experiences while learning how to thrive on dialysis. Being open to change will help you adjust—and perhaps help you grow. You may even find a new activity or experience that you’ll want to make a habit. - Make a wish list
Writing down your wishes or goals on paper makes them feel more real. You’ll also be more likely to make them happen.
NEED DIALYSIS, CAN TRAVEL
Going out of town for a few days or even a month is no problem for people on dialysis. It simply takes some planning.
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