L-W-O Community®
Empowers people living with primary and secondary lymphoedema through emotional wellbeing, lymphatic health and self-care support, online and in the community.
National Self-Care Week
16th - 22nd November 2026
Why I Love Self-Care Week
Every November, Self-Care Week reminds me why I am so passionate about the work I do at L-W-O Community. It’s more than a campaign; it’s a chance to pause, learn, and celebrate the everyday actions that help us live well.
Supporting the Self Care Forum has been a privilege. Their resources and learning opportunities continually inspire me to contemplate how self-care can be made practical, accessible, and empowering for all. For those of us living with lymphoedema, self-care isn’t optional; it’s essential. These small daily choices, ranging from compression routines to skin care, movement, and nutrition, contribute to resilience, dignity, and independence.
This year, I’ve especially valued the collaborative spirit of Self-Care Week. Working alongside Mary Fickling has been a joy; her energy, creativity, and commitment to amplifying patient voices make every project richer. Together, we’ve been able to highlight how self-care is not just about the individual but about community, connection, and shared learning.
For both of us, Self-Care Week is a reminder that self-care is not selfish. It’s a foundation for living with long-term conditions like lymphoedema, and it’s a way of showing kindness to ourselves and each other.
Since Self Care Week 2025, the L-W-O Community has reached an important milestone in its journey. Since launching in September 2013, I have never experienced a year quite like this one. While continuing to champion lymphoedema awareness, education and patient empowerment, I have strengthened my commitment to promoting a truly holistic approach to lymphatic health.
From emotional wellbeing, sleep health and skincare to movement and nutrition, I have worked to provide accessible information, practical resources and supportive communities that help individuals make informed choices about their health. My aim has always been to empower people with the knowledge, confidence and tools they need to take an active role in their wellbeing and live as well as possible, whatever challenges they may face.
As Self Care Week begins, I am proud of how far the L-W-O Community has come and grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey. Together, we continue to demonstrate that self-care is not a one-week campaign but a lifelong commitment to health, wellbeing and living well.
THIS IS WHAT MARY HAS TO SAY to be written
Day1: Understanding Lymphoedema
Understanding lymphoedema is the first step toward effective self-care. Lymphoedema occurs when the lymphatic system becomes compromised, leading to swelling in the limbs or body. It's essential to learn about the condition, its causes, symptoms, and how it affects daily life.
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Educate Yourself: Read reliable resources or, wherever possible, attend conferences or workshops. Knowledge empowers you to make informed choices about your health.
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Connect with Others: Join support groups like the L-W-O Community. Sharing experiences can help you feel understood and supported.
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Trusted Organisations: When the L-W-O Community doesn’t have all the answers, we’ll guide you to trusted organisations who do.
For other organisations that may be able to help, check out our Signposting page:
Day 2: Effective Skin Care Practices
Skin care is crucial for individuals living with lymphoedema. Healthy skin helps prevent infections and minimises swelling. Here are some practical tips:
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Gentle Cleansing: Opt for non-irritating cleansers. Avoid hot water and harsh soaps, as these can strip the skin of its natural oils.
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Dry your skin thoroughly: Pay attention to drying between fingers, toes, and skin folds.
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Sensitive skin: If your skin is normal, rub dry, if you have fragile skin, thinning skin or damaged skin, carefully pat dry. Be careful not to damage your skin further.
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Moisturise Daily: Use medical-grade moisturisers formulated for sensitive skin; some may be available on prescription in the UK. Apply after bathing to help seal in moisture.
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Regular Skin Checks: Perform regular checks for any cuts, rashes, or changes in skin texture. Early intervention is key to preventing complications.
Day 3: Get Moving
Staying active is vital for managing lymphoedema. Gentle movements can enhance lymphatic flow and improve overall well-being.
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Low-Impact Exercises: Try gentle activities like swimming, walking, or cycling; they’re kinder to your limbs and help boost circulation and lymph flow
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Regular Stretching: Incorporate stretching into your daily routine. Yoga is especially beneficial, as it combines movement with mindfulness.
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Use Resistance Bands: Strength training with resistance bands can help build muscle without overexerting your lymphatic system.
In 2015, L-W-O made a conscious decision to stop using the word “exercise”, a choice that’s often been challenging, as it goes against the norm. Why? Many of our members with leg or foot lymphoedema find mobility difficult, and being told that “exercise” will improve their condition can feel overwhelming, even distressing. The word itself often triggered negative emotional responses, leading to frustration, stress, and a sense of failure. We found that avoiding the term helped create a more supportive and compassionate space for movement.
Whenever L-W-O Community can, our websites and social media use the hashtag #getmoving. It does not conjure up the horror of doing a marathon or attending one of those superhuman aerobics classes but instead allows you to start off with small movements that can be increased step by step every day. We can all do this.
Not everyone can comfortably stand for long periods. Chair exercises provide a safe and effective alternative, helping to promote lymphatic flow, maintain joint mobility and build confidence. Small seated movements can make a meaningful difference and may be an important first step for people experiencing pain, fatigue, balance concerns or reduced mobility.
Day 4: Compression Garment Care
Medically, prescribed compression garments play a vital role in managing lymphoedema. Proper care extends their lifespan and efficacy.
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Washing and Drying: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for washing. We used to be told that handwashing was best; however, thankfully, most compression garments can be machine washed on a gentle cycle between 30 and 40 degrees.
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Wear Them Regularly: Wear your compression garments as advised by your healthcare provider; regular use can help reduce swelling effectively
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Check for Fit: Wear your prescribed compression garments regularly. If they feel uncomfortable or too loose, speak to your healthcare provider; they may need to be adjusted or replaced to stay effective. Compression garments help manage swelling and relieve pain by applying pressure to the tissues. This pressure supports fluid drainage and prevents fluid from building up in the affected area.
Day 5: Nutrition for Wellness
Good nutrition is essential and should be part of a balanced diet that supports the immune system and can help manage swelling.
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Hydrate: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Staying hydrated aids in lymphatic function.
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Anti-inflammatory Foods: Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds. These support overall health and may reduce inflammation.
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Limit Salt Intake: Excess salt can cause water retention. Prioritise fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole foods to help reduce sodium in your diet.
Additionally, consider keeping a food diary to identify any foods that might trigger swelling. Stay mindful of your nutrition journey.
We have even more information on our Healthy Eating page, and for those who prefer a plant-based approach, you'll find plenty of guidance and practical ideas there too.
Day 6: Emotional Well-Being
Living with lymphoedema can take an emotional toll. Prioritising emotional wellness is essential for holistic self-care.
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Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness activities such as meditation or deep breathing exercises. This can help reduce stress and enhance emotional resilience.
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Prioritise Sleep: A good night's sleep is more than just a luxury; it is essential for overall health and well-being. While we all live busy, sometimes hectic lives, neglecting rest can have serious consequences for both body and mind.
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Connect with Support Groups: Sharing your journey with others who understand what it is like to live with lymphoedema can help alleviate feelings of isolation. Come and join our friendly support group.
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Surround yourself with people who encourage, support and inspire you, and remember that protecting your wellbeing sometimes means stepping away from relationships that drain your energy or diminish your self-worth.
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If emotional wellbeing is becoming difficult to manage, consider discussing your concerns with your GP, healthcare professional, counsellor or therapist.
Day 7: Celebrating Progress
As Self Care Week comes to a close, this image reminds us that self-care is not about perfection. It is about recognising the progress we have made, no matter how small those steps may seem.
This week has encouraged us to pause for reflection, find motivation, set achievable goals and share our stories. For many people living with lymphoedema and other long-term health conditions, self-care is not something that happens for just one week of the year. It is a daily commitment to managing health, maintaining wellbeing and adapting to life's challenges.
Taking time to reflect helps us acknowledge our achievements. Perhaps you remembered to wear your compression garments more consistently, prioritised movement, improved your skin care routine, reached out for support, or simply allowed yourself time to rest when needed. Every positive action matters.
Motivation can sometimes come and go, but progress is built through small, realistic and achievable goals. Self-care is not about making huge changes overnight. It is about creating sustainable habits that support both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Sharing our experiences also has great value. When we tell our stories, we remind others that they are not alone. We inspire, encourage and learn from one another, helping to build stronger and more connected communities.
As we move beyond Self-Care Week, let us remember that self-care is a journey, not a destination. Celebrate how far you have come, be kind to yourself on the difficult days, and recognise that every step forward is worth acknowledging.
Most importantly, always remember to treat yourself with kindness. You are doing better than you think, and every act of self-care is an investment in your health, wellbeing and future.
Why We Support the Self Care Forum and Self Care Week
At L-W-O Community, we believe that self-care plays a vital role in helping people maintain their health, wellbeing, and independence. That is why we are proud to support both the Self Care Forum and Self Care Week, which encourage people to take an active role in looking after their physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.
Self-care is not just about managing illness. It is about making informed choices that help us stay well, prevent poor health where possible, and cope more effectively with long-term conditions and disabilities. It involves individuals, families, communities, healthcare professionals, and organisations working together to improve health outcomes and quality of life.
Free Health Information Fact Sheets
The Self Care Forum provides an extensive range of free health information fact sheets covering many common health concerns and everyday ailments. Topics range from back pain, coughs and colds, headaches, and digestive problems through to urinary incontinence and many other conditions.
These practical resources are designed to help people better understand and manage their health while also knowing when it may be appropriate to seek further advice from a healthcare professional. All fact sheets are freely accessible through the Self Care Forum website, making reliable health information available to everyone.
Trusted Information You Can Rely On
Finding trustworthy health information online can be challenging. The Self Care Forum's fact sheets are both peer reviewed and lay reviewed, ensuring they are medically accurate while remaining easy to understand.
In addition, the resources are evidence-based and carry the PIF TICK, the UK-wide quality mark for trusted health information. This means the information has been produced through a rigorous process and meets recognised standards for accuracy, transparency, and reliability.
By signposting our community to trusted resources such as those provided by the Self Care Forum, we hope to empower people with the knowledge, confidence, and practical tools they need to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.
Prior to publication, Mary and I have both peer-reviewed some of the fact sheets for the Self-Care Forum.
Congratulations to The Self-Care Forum, who recently were awarded the PIF TICK. The PIF TICK is the UK-wide quality mark for health information. It helps you find evidence-based health information you can trust.
Social Self Care and Wellbeing
Page first published: 2019
Last update: 09/11/2026
Next review: October 2027
One Small Step
Self-Care Starts With One Small Step
Whether that step is drinking an extra glass of water, taking a short walk, checking your skin, practising mindfulness or reaching out to a support group, every positive action contributes to better health and wellbeing. Self-care is not about perfection. It is about making choices that help you live as well as possible, every day.
