This summer I shared my experiences as a person with invisible disabilities (fibromylagia, chronic fatigue, multiple food and drug allergies) and how I have learned to take care of myself by overcoming chronic illness and stress.
Without doubt the quality of my life experience is influenced by my attitude. Happiness is a state of mind and we can achieve it by making the choice to be contented with our lives as is and grateful for what we do have, despite our circumstances.
I have learned nothing external provides more than passing pleasure. The creation place for happiness dwells within me. I have learned that when I make a conscious decision remain in a mindful state, the happiness choice is an easy and very natural one to make. I can look for opportunities for emotional healing and growth even when times are tough and that’s what I aim to do.
I can choose to take care of myself by employing the strategies I shared in this blog. Or I can choose to over emotionalize, immobilize and to sink into depression. I can choose to feel all my feelings fully and then make the choice to be happy despite my circumstances. Or I can choose to suppress and deny them and suffer.
Along with diet changes, yoga, meditation, aromatherapy and massage I have been using Bach Flower Remedies for emotional healing and I’m wondering if any of my readers are using them too.
These days pain is a common ailment as my friends and I are heading towards retirement years. Impaired joint function, arthritis, fibromyalgia and gout are among the complaints and that’s not surprising as inflammation is the body’s natural response to wear and tear and injury. Along with the physical symptoms of aging and the energy it takes to cope with chronic pain and exhaustion, feelings of helplessness and depression are common.
Constant pain can be irritating at least & overwhelming at most. Beech provides some relief from feelings of intolerance.
Elm is useful when I'm feeling overwhelmed by commitments and deadlines as it helps me put things back into perspective.
When I recognize I have been driving myself too hard and over extending, Oak motivates me to take time off to relax and to move at a slower pace.
Olive helps get me through the day by increasing my energy when I find myself feeling exhausted from lack of sleep.
Honeysuckle can be used for depression. It assists in the ability to live mindfully in the present desire to move forward.
Gorse can also be used for depression. When and when feelings of helplessness impinge it provides a sense of hopefulness.
Impatience can be used to reduce onset of feelings of annoyance, frustration and irritability caused by impatience.
Star of Bethlehem can neutralize the effects of shock due to accidents or due to past traumatic PTSD causing events.
Willow can be used for bitterness negativity, & resentment. It evokes flowering of consciousness.
This winter has been a dark time for me. We have two seasons; dry and sunny and rainy and wet. Most of the annual rain falls from November to February. December, the wettest month (109 mm) has nearly eight times as high precipitation as in July, the driest month (14 mm). During the winter, the average daily high and low temperatures are 8°C and 3°C, respectively. The summer months are equally mild, with an average high temperature of 19 °C and low of 11°C.
Chronic fatigue, Fibromylagia, Raynauds syndromes are not my friends. They are not invited guests and I don’t welcome their reign in and over my body and my life. They will remain with me to the grave and I prefer to remain drug free, so learning how to cope with fibro flare-ups without becoming angry, or slipping into the pit of self pity is a challenge for me.
There are times like when my the pain is so intense that I must withdraw. For me withdrawing doesn’t necessarily mean that I won’t be blogging in this blog, but as it is a personal blog, and as I don’t want to become a whiner either offline or online, I limit how much personal information I share. This winter a pain filled one so I didn’t blog as much as I have previously.
I will continue to share is what I have found offline and online that has helped me cope with pain, mobility issues, and depression.
This is what Dominie Soo Bush stats in her disclaimer on her website:
I suffered with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and insomnia for many years before finding ways to cope with my symptoms. I am not a medical doctor. The purpose of this site is not to diagnose or cure any disease or malady, but is presented as food for thought. What you read on this site is based on my own history and ideas. This information cannot take the place of professional medical advice. Any attempt to diagnose and treat an illness should come under the direction of a physician. No guarantees are made regarding any of the information presented in this website.
As spring approaches I’m beginning to gently increase my exercise. I know I will a slow but steady introduction into a walking program of 5 minutes, 1-3 times a day, and gradually increase it to 10, 15, 20 and eventually, 30 or more minutes per session is right for me.
Consistent exercise is the key for me and my dog is always eager to go walking so I’m setting realistic goals and modifying where required. I also have strategies for coping with fibromylagia that serve me well, and I’m looking forward to the end of the rainy wet days.
1. De-Stress
Stress may trigger fibromyalgia symptoms. Minimizing stress can improve your quality of life. Some proven stress busters are yoga, exercise, sleep, and meditation. Breathing deeply and exhaling slowly can also help. Or keep in mind activities that you enjoy or that make you feel better. When stress strikes, do one or two of them.
If “fibro fog” is hurting your focus or memory, keep a pen and paper handy. Make to-do and even “to say” lists — to help you remember topics you want to talk to your spouse or family about. Keep shopping lists, friends’ names, and important phone numbers and addresses in a notebook that you carry with you.
3. Exercise Regularly
Regular, low-intensity exercise, such as walking or warm-water exercise, is one of the best treatments for fibromyalgia. It helps decrease pain and stiffness, reduce stress, and may increase your sense of control over your fibromyalgia. You may also sleep better. Talk to your doctor or a physical therapist about a good exercise program for you.
Soaking in a warm bath or hot tub can relax tense muscles, reduce pain, and help you move more easily. If it’s difficult for you to get in and out of the tub, try a sauna or put a stool in the shower so you can sit and let the water do its work. Moist heat may increase endorphins, which block pain signals, and help you sleep more soundly.
Caffeine may compound stress, both physically and psychologically. It stimulates the heart and central nervous system, and can increase nervousness, anxiety, and insomnia. So decaffeinate to de-stress. For better sleep at night avoid caffeine from the late afternoon on. Watch out for caffeine in chocolate, coffee, and some soft drinks and teas.
6. Take Some “Me Time” Every Day
Fibromyalgia can pose unique health challenges and make life complicated. So make time for yourself every day as a part of your treatment. Lose yourself in a hobby, put on some music, rest — whatever makes you feel good. It may bring more balance to your life, help you fight stress, and boost your energy for the things you need to do.
Is work leaving you exhausted and in pain? Design a flexible plan that works for you and your boss. Ask about working from home part-time, or setting your hours for earlier or later in the day so you can be more productive. At the office, rearrange your workspace for comfort and easy accessibility. A telephone headset, keyboard tray, or other products may help put less stress on your body.
8. Talk About It
Fibromyalgia puts stress on you and those around you. Communication is critical. Don’t try to always put on a happy face. Your loved ones need to know what makes your symptoms worse. Plan talks for your best time of day. Try focusing on one issue and look for solutions. And don’t be afraid to ask for help — from friends, others with fibromyalgia, or a counselor.
9. Just Say No
Fibromyalgia is sometimes called an “invisible illness” — you can look fine but feel bad. People may forget that you need to prioritize and pace yourself. When weighing activities, favors, or invitations consider if they will keep you from the rest, exercise, or relaxation you need to feel well. It’s OK to simply say “no.” And stick to it.
10. Make Your Bedroom a Sleep Sanctuary
If you’re not getting enough rest, set the mood in your bedroom for sleep. Reserve your bed for sleeping, and keep the room dark, quiet, cool, and distraction-free. Keep regular sleep hours and ban your computer and late- night TV watching. Instead, wind down with relaxing music or a warm bath.
Keeping track of events, activities, symptoms, and mood changes can help you take charge of your fibromyalgia. It may make you aware of when symptoms start and, over time, what may be triggering them. Then you can work to eliminate triggers or learn coping strategies to lessen their impact.
Read my articles:
Journaling
Journaling Your Dreams Part 1 – Beginning
Journaling Dreams Part 2 – Tips
Journaling Your Dreams Part 3 – Questions
12. Join a Support Group
Support groups can play an important part in the lives of people with a chronic illness. Whether in person or online, they offer a safe place to talk with others who may share your frustrations and concerns. Support groups provide emotional support, information, and tips for coping. Contact the Arthritis Foundation to find one in your area.
1. De-Stress
5. Reach for Decaf
