Living with a chronic disease is hard, but with the right approach and attitude, it’s possible to live well despite the challenges that accompany a lifelong illness.

“Most chronic diseases are manageable,” says Tidelands Health family medicine physician Dr. Marie Hulsey, who sees patients at Tidelands Health Family Medicine at Georgetown. “Patients often become distressed about being on medications to manage their disease. But most of the treatment plans focus on quality of life.”

Nearly 130 million Americans are living with chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and autoimmune diseases, according to the American Hospital Association. A diagnosis and subsequent management of a chronic illness can lead to anxiety, depression and sadness. Dr. Hulsey says there are strategies that can help boost overall well-being and improve quality of life while living with a lifelong illness.

Here are Dr. Hulsey’s 10 tips for living well with a chronic illness:

Forge connections with trusted friends, co-workers or family members who can empathize with your condition and provide emotional support. Consider joining a support group to find others experiencing the same condition, which can help you cope and stay hopeful.

Continue your treatment even when you’re feeling better, as outlined by your physician. Don’t make the mistake of stopping a medication and risk a setback.

Work with your physician to find the best treatment plan for you. Discuss your priorities and limitations. If you’re having mental health and financial problems, your physician can help connect you to resources to make it easier to cope so you can focus on managing your disease.

Any exercise is better than none. Variation is the key to building strength and endurance. Aim to increase your heart rate with a brisk walk and incorporate resistance training using weights or resistance bands, if you’re able. Avoid foods that can exacerbate symptoms by causing weight gain and inflammation. Instead, strive to eat more healthfully.

Studies show volunteering can boost your self-esteem and improve your mental health.

If you want to lose weight, make a plan to do so incrementally. Trying to achieve an unrealistic goal too quickly can lead to disappointment and failure. Stay on top of a goal and stick to your plan to see results. “With a chronic illness, it’s a marathon, not a sprint,” Dr. Hulsey says.

Consider starting a gratitude journal and listing daily the things you are thankful for. Doing so will distract you from your physical symptoms and help you stay positive and hopeful. Studies show writing for at least 15 minutes three days a week can increase feelings of well-being.

Focusing on something outside of yourself can help reduce stress. Consider meditation, yoga or an outdoor activity to help you de-stress. Getting good sleep is also important because sleep deprivation can create anxiety and add stress.

Appreciate what your body can do for you rather than what it can’t or what it looks like, especially if your body has changed due to illness. Focus on your strengths and talents. List what your body can do in a journal. These strategies create body positivity and help you maintain an optimistic attitude.

Looking forward to things you enjoy doing, such as writing, creating music, gardening or other hobbies, can elevate your spirits and help you cope more easily with a chronic disease.

“Patients don’t have to give up when they’ve been diagnosed with a chronic disease,” Dr. Hulsey says. “Making lifestyle changes with diet and exercise can really be beneficial. Work with your doctor and your support system to find what works best for you so you can feel better and live well.”