Think positive

What can I do to stay positive during this therapy journey?

There is a very strong link between your thoughts, feelings and actions. How you think and feel can help or hinder you in taking those small actions that can improve your health in a big way. Like going to the doctor, getting your blood pressure checked, or persisting with your sleep apnea therapy.

Here are some tips on how to stay positive during therapy:

Observe your thoughts

No one knows you better than you know yourself.

By becoming more aware of your own thoughts, you might be able to make better choices for your health.

Try to see if there is a certain pattern to what you generally think about therapy. For example, do you catch yourself thinking, "This is all too hard-I just can't be bothered anymore."

By observing what these thoughts are and when they occur, you might be able to stop them and turn them around. And instead say, "Sticking to therapy might be difficult, but I feel so much better in the morning."

Have a vision

Keep your focus on why you're using your therapy equipment. How will it help you live the life you want?

Write your vision down and stick it on the fridge. Make an ' inspiration board' out of magazine cut-outs. Do whatever it takes to keep sight of the life you want, so you're constantly reminded of why you are using your therapy equipment.

Make therapy a habit

When you form a habit or routine, performing a task becomes easy: you accept what you need to do and just do it.

Work your therapy routine into your usual night-time routine, night after night, until it happens automatically.

Take small steps

Breaking up a task into small, manageable steps is a time-tested formula for success.

While you're learning to use your therapy equipment, allow some time to master the small skills that make up the whole, such as learning how to put on your mask, and how to get comfortable in your bed.

Tackling a situation one step at a time, rather than all at once, can help you build your confidence faster.