How to Manage a Chronic Illness While Thriving in a Corporate Career

Juggling a demanding corporate career while managing a chronic illness is no small feat. It requires strategy, self-awareness, and an unapologetic commitment to your health. As someone who has navigated this path firsthand, I’ve learned that success isn’t about pushing through at all costs—it’s about working with your body and brain rather than against them.

Here's how I maintained ambition, energy, and balance while reversing my chronic fatigue and autoimmune conditions—and retraining as a Registered Nutritionist.

1. Treat your energy like a budget

Think of your energy as currency—you only have so much to spend each day. Chronic illness often comes with unpredictable fatigue or flare-ups, so you need to allocate your energy wisely. Prioritise high-impact tasks, batch similar activities, and don’t waste energy on things (or people) that drain you.

2. Batch cooking: Non-negotiable for staying nourished

Food is fuel, and skipping meals or relying on ultra-processed options isn’t sustainable when managing a chronic condition. Batch cooking was a game-changer for me. I still dedicate a couple of hours each week to preparing nutrient-dense meals that I can grab when I’m low on time or energy. My go-tos:

• Slow-cooked proteins (chicken thighs, boiled eggs, baked salmon and stews) for easy digestion
• Pre-chopped veg or batch-cook grains like quinoa or buckwheat for quick meals
• Smoothies and chia pudding which can be prepared the night before
• Nuts and seeds can be added to foods for extra nourishment.

Automating meals avoids decision fatigue and ensures you are getting the nutrients you need to function optimally.

3. Schedule ‘me time’ like a business meeting

If it’s not in the calendar, it doesn’t exist. That’s my rule for self-care. Whether it’s an early bedtime, a walk at lunch, or a strict no-meeting buffer before big presentations, I schedule my downtime just as I do work obligations. This prevents burnout and keeps me at my best.

Using my Nurosym is one of the simplest ways I reinforce this—an easy, effective way to support my nervous system. You can learn more here and if you decide to try it too you can use code VictoriaH10 for 10% off.

4. Say ‘no’ more often (without guilt)

Not every request deserves a ‘yes,’ and not every person deserves your energy. Managing a chronic illness means being selective with your commitments. I’ve learned to:

• Decline social events that drain me
• Limit meetings to only what’s necessary
• Automate or delegate repetitive tasks
• Avoid people who add stress or negativity

This isn’t about being selfish—it’s about survival and your recovery and without prioritising your own needs, it will be much more challenging to reverse your symptoms.

5. Speak openly to your team (on your terms)

I used to hide my health struggles, fearing it would make me look weak. In reality, the more I communicated my needs, the easier work became. If you’re comfortable, let your team know what helps you perform best. Maybe that’s remote work flexibility, adjusted deadlines during flares, or fewer back-to-back meetings.

The key is framing it in a way that highlights your commitment and efficiency. Example:

“To maintain my productivity, I’ve found that working from home one day a week really helps manage my energy levels. This allows me to deliver my best work without burnout.”

6. Leverage tools that support nervous system regulation

Chronic illness and high-functioning careers can create a constant state of stress, taking a toll on the nervous system. I’ve found that supporting vagus nerve function is a game-changer for energy, focus, and resilience. One of my favourite tools is Nurosym—a wearable device designed to stimulate the vagus nerve and promote autonomic balance.

By incorporating Nurosym into my routine, I’ve noticed improved energy levels, reduced fatigue, and better stress management in high-pressure work situations. It has also helped me achieve more restorative sleep, which is essential for healing.

For anyone managing a chronic condition while juggling work, optimising nervous system function isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity.

7. Create a work style that supports your brain

If you’re ADHD-inclined, traditional work structures can feel suffocating. Customising your workflow can make a huge difference. For me, time-blocking tasks is essential—rather than relying on an open-ended to-do list, I schedule dedicated focus blocks. Body-doubling also helps, whether it’s checking in with a colleague or a friend for accountability. Noise-cancelling headphones are a must for blocking out distractions, allowing me to stay on task. Before bed, I do a brain dump to clear mental clutter, which not only improves sleep but also helps me start the next day with more clarity.

8. Recognise that success looks different for you

Success isn’t about working the longest hours or saying ‘yes’ to everything. It’s about knowing what your version of high performance looks like and structuring your life around it.

By implementing these strategies, I was able to progress my career, reverse all my symptoms, retrain as a nutritionist, and build a business from scratch. As a result, I now get to do what I’m passionate about every day—and you could too.

If you want to find out more about my services, let’s connect, and you can find out more here too. It takes trial and error, but with the right systems, you can be ambitious while prioritising your health.

Would love to hear from others navigating this—what’s been your biggest game-changer?