Staying social and active
You may have times when you feel down, unfortunately this can actually lead to worsening symptoms¹. Talking with others or joining a support group to discuss how you feel may help². The benefits of maintaining an active social life are more than just emotional. Keeping up with family and friends can also help stave off physical decline³.
Diet, exercise and nutrition
Maintaining a healthy diet is important for everyone but it is especially important if you have COPD. Not only can a poor diet make your symptoms worse but it can also affect your ability to exercise. The right mix of nutrients in your diet can help you breathe easier, a fact that most people with COPD are surprised to hear⁴.
Improving air quality
It's important to know the quality of the air that you breathe. Seasonal changes can prove problematic but there are a few things you can do to improve indoor quality, such as changing air filters, using natural cleaners, keeping pets off beds and ensuring that windows are properly sealed⁵. Deciding where to live can be a tough decision but think seriously about whether a change in location could improve your condition too⁶.
Monitor your COPD
There are four stages of COPD, each characterized by different symptoms and increasing severity⁷. By monitoring and managing your symptoms in a proactive manner it is possible to relieve them and improve your overall quality of life⁸.