<p>What does it really mean to get stronger with chronic illness?</p><p>In this episode, Rachel is joined by Charu — a mom of two living with autoimmune hepatitis and PBC — to talk about redefining strength in the chronic illness community.</p><p>Together, they explore:</p><p>• How the definition of “strength” changes after diagnosis</p><p> • The balance between pushing forward and knowing when to rest</p><p> • Starting small with movement — even 10-minute walks</p><p> • Strength training while managing fatigue and medication side effects</p><p> • Modifications like chair-based exercises and bodyweight movements</p><p> • Maintaining strength vs. constantly trying to improve</p><p> • Flare days, guilt, and learning flexibility</p><p> • Meditation, body scans, and calming the nervous system when physical movement isn’t accessible</p><p>This conversation is not about pushing harder. It’s about meeting your body where it is and finding sustainable ways to support your physical and mental health.</p><p>As always, consult your medical provider before starting new exercise routines.</p><p><br /></p><p>Follow Charu on Instagram at: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/a.spoonful.0f.joy/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/a.spoonful.0f.joy/</a></p><p>If you’re interested in body scan mindfulness exercises, here are a few recommendations from Charu:</p><p> </p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/7mceqGJnxVGWzKBfCSYJR2?si=x4fcSXFdQFCRHk4dKT2B6Q&amp;t=14" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/episode/7mceqGJnxVGWzKBfCSYJR2?si=x4fcSXFdQFCRHk4dKT2B6Q&amp;t=14</a></p><p><br /></p><p>YouTube: <a href="https://youtu.be/3X-_qx9Txto?si=te3Tt3E8C2kbOnzc" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://youtu.be/3X-_qx9Txto?si=te3Tt3E8C2kbOnzc</a></p><p><br /></p><p>Follow SpoonFull of Strength for podcast clips and updates at <a href="⁠https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/⁠" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/⁠</a></p><p>And on TikTok at: <a href="⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength⁠" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength⁠</a></p><p>Looking for chronic illness merch? Visit SpoonFull of Strength’s Etsy shop at ⁠<a href="www.spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com⁠ " target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">www.spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com⁠ </a>Use code PODCAST for 25% off your entire order. </p><p><br /></p>