Last Updated on January 25, 2022 by Steven Root
Can You Have A ‘Normal’ Job If You Have Ulcerative Colitis Or Crohn’s Disease?
Yes. The End.
Ok but seriously..
A lot of people think that you have to live on the beach and practise yoga every day if you’re to avoid the type of stress that gives rise to flares of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
I actually read that Gary Vaynerchuk’s brother stepped down as CFO of VaynerMedia because he has ulcerative colitis and his work wasn’t conducive to him being healthy.
At least I think it was his brother.. and I think the position was CFO.. I could just google it. But that’s kinda besides the point.
What I’m saying is that there seems to a misconception that you can’t have a normal career if you’re sick.
Because a normal job = stress, and stress = inflammation.
But is that true?
To answer this we need to look at what causes stress; specifically CHRONIC stress.
Momentary stress happens to everyone and is not what we’re concerned about here.
Chronic stress, however, which leads to CHRONIC INFLAMMATION.. well that’s a different story.
Chronic stress happens when parts of our lives are out of alignment.
That is to say, we wish they were different to how they are. These areas include:
- Relationships
- Career
- Spirituality
- Exercise
- Social Life
- Finances
- Etc.
So how do you ensure that that part of your life is ‘in alignment’?
Well ‘in alignment’ means that you’re doing something in keeping with your core values that makes you happy.
And that starts with self awareness.
Without self awareness, you can’t possibly choose a career that’s aligned with who you are. Because, well, you don’t know who you are.
So… do some soul searching. Work out what drives you, what makes you happy, & what gives your life meaning.
There and only there will you find a career that feeds your soul, gives you peace, and doesn’t cause chronic stress (and therefore inflammation).
This advice is relevant to pretty much anyone, but it’s ESPECIALLY true for those of us with ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and other chronic diseases.
Below you can see a somewhat cheesy little video I recorded on this topic.
