Yew and Me Blog:
Living Well & Healing with Chronic Illness

A road with Autumn trees either side, disappearing into fog—symbolic of the brain fog I was experiencing.

From Swine Flu to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

After Swine Flu, my health spiralled into chronic fatigue, pain, brain fog, and post-viral fatigue that no test could fully explain. This post shares my lived experience of ME/CFS and fibromyalgia — the confusion, loss, and hardest years, including hitting rock bottom. It’s a raw part of my chronic illness journey, but also where I began to find resilience, community, and the first steps toward healing.

Sep 279 min read

Bedside table with a digital clock and dim light from a salt lamp.

The One Where A Consistent Sleep Schedule Became My Superpower

Learn how a consistent sleep schedule became my superpower, while living with chronic illness, and how it could become yours too.

Sep 109 min read

Two wooden benches surrounded by Autumn trees and leaves—representing my life changing season.

From Salsa and Zumba to Swine Flu

In 2009, Swine Flu changed my life in ways I could never have imagined. This is the story of how illness began reshaping my busy, joyful world.

Aug 277 min read

Two apricot roses—just ready to be smelt!

Stopping to Smell the Roses: Mindfulness for Chronic Illness

When pain from chronic illness feels too heavy, I’ve learned to hold today gently in my hands, with mindfulness — leaving space for the warmth of sunshine, the smell of roses, and moments of peace in the present.

Aug 252 min read

Mother reading a bedtime story to her child in a softly lit bedroom – a reminder of the calming routines we give children, and often forget to give ourselves.

The One Where I Took Sleep Hygiene Seriously (And It Helped)

How sleep hygiene finally made a difference — without being rigid or extreme. Real-life, gentle shifts that helped me sleep better with chronic illness.

Aug 136 min read