Take proactive
measures - Taking responsibility for your own well-being. This
means that you refuse to play the role of victim, actively seek out ways to
improve your health by anticipating your needs, and finding solutions to them.
FMS is a multi-faceted disorder that requires a multi-disciplinary approach.
Explore alternatives
- If you are chemically sensitive, or find traditional
methods of treating Fibro are not cutting it than you may find relief in
Alternative Therapies. As always any treatment comes with inherent
dangers, as well as advantages, so please do your research first.
Find a support
group - For many of us finding support can be the single most
important factor in our fight for survival. Finding others who not only understand
what you are going through, but live it as well, can have a huge impact on our
ability to function as well as possible.
Communicate your feelings - Being able to express your feelings can be
immensely freeing. It is essential that you tell your family and friends
exactly what you need in order for them to understand and help you.
A good place to start is by keeping a journal
a>.
Induce good sleeping habits - As all of us with FMS know good sleep, that is restful
and restorative, can be difficult to achieve. As the lack of essential sleep has a
major impact on our levels of fatigue, pain, and fog, this is a very important
component.
Incorporate exercise and healthy eating habits into your daily routine. - Much has been written about the importance of exercise and
nutrition for promoting health and wellness. When dealing with a chronic illness
these aspects become even more crucial for managing your symptoms.
Maintain a positive
attitude - Maintaining a positive attitude, in the face of adversity, is
one of our major challenges. Research has shown the connection between
mind and body to be scientific fact. Optimism goes a long way toward providing
immeasurable benefits. And as the Fibro Friends are fond of saying... "Look for
the silver lining." Sometimes it may take a little digging, but there always is one
you know.
Manage stress -
Recognizing, understanding, and managing stress is invaluable when living with
Fibromyalgia. Stressors can be psychological as well as physical. When anxiety
and stress build up, to intolerable levels, our pain and fatigue become greatly
increased. This then causes our stress levels to rise even further creating a vicious
cycle.
Pace your activities - This simply means that you need to learn your limits of physical tolerance.
The copyright of the article Subduing The Fibromyalgia Monster in Fibromyalgia Resources is owned by Tamara Peters. Permission to republish Subduing The Fibromyalgia Monster in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.