One of the most frustrating challenges of having Fibromyalgia (FM) is creating a lifestyle that works for you. I can speak from my own experience after spending many years making adjustments in my life and having to deal with lots of obstacles.
It’s possible to manage, overcome or even recover from the symptoms of FM. However, this is not likely to happen if you are working 60 hours per week and trying to be everything to everyone. Enjoying a more comfortable life takes some effort on your part to explore what will make your life more manageable and less exhausting.
Here are 3 steps you can take to begin the process of making your life more comfortable and fibro friendly. I call this the three S’s method-remember the S’s when you need relief:
Self Care Toolbox
Create a box or a list where you put all the ideas you have about how your own self care can make you feel better. This can be things like taking a hot bath, doing some yoga, getting a massage, sipping tea, taking a relaxing walk in the woods, taking a nap, etc. Whenever you feel anxiety, stress or discomfort coming on, pull something from your “toolbox” to help you cope.
Stop Multitasking
I’m always encouraging people to take the term “multitasking” out of their vocabulary! It’s a really silly way of approaching things if you want to be a calm, peaceful and healthy person. Do one task at a time, and enjoy each task that you do. When you overwhelm yourself with a million things at once, you create anxiety and stress.
Stillness
When you are still you are just being. When you are just being, there is no worry or stress. When there is no worry or stress, there is a peace within. When there is a peace within, there is ease and comfort in your life. When there is ease and comfort in your life, you are whole and well. Spend 10 minutes a day just sitting and relaxing in the silence. I guarantee this practice will help you create the fibro friendly lifestyle you desire.
Believe in yourself and your ability to create a lifestyle of purpose and ease. Adjustments and changes in lifestyle and behavior may not happen as quickly as you would like, but they will come with time, just take a step at a time. I’ve made these adjustments to my own life over time and enjoy a much more peaceful, purposeful and comfortable life. They took time and patience, but I hope what I’ve shared here will help you get there faster than I did!
Copyright Christine O’Dell, 2009
Filed under: Freedom From Frustration, Self Care Practices, Tips For Relief Tagged: | adjustments, belief in self, comfort, encouragement, fibromyalgia, greater peace, greater wellness, self-care, self-management
