Some days you can be doing everything right. Following a new regimen that has brought added comfort to your life despite the effects of fibromyalgia. Then, all of a sudden, you find yourself entwined in the Pain Game again wondering what is causing this additional flare-up?
Fibromyalgia suffers seem to be thwarted with stress. It is well known that fibromyalgia attacks the central nervous system. And, for any minute disruption in life, comes the plague of stress. Once that stress enters, your life is turned upside down with worry that is not easily abated. Even the smallest, trivial circumstance can become a full blown ordeal once the mind begins to tick.
Many fibromyalgia patients have a history of chronic stress, often due to overloading their schedules and taking on too much responsibility for other people such as family members. A high number of fibromyalgia patients are women who have “Type A” personalities and who lead ambitious, busy, stressful lives. Men with fibromyalgia often have worked in jobs that have resulted in physical job-related stress.
For fibromyalgia patients, stress can also make the condition worse and can trigger particular physical symptoms. People who suffer from fibromyalgia often have trouble knowing their personal limitations, which can make it hard for them to know when they are in danger of overexerting themselves. When fibromyalgia patients physically overexert themselves, this can often lead to increased stress, which results in increased pain. A vicious cycle can easily develop, because the pain can lead to more stress,
which, in turn, can lead to more pain.
It is important to get stress in check immediately. I know this is easier said than done. Some days those emotions just get a runaway leap before you can grasp the reigns. But if you ensure you have adequate sleep, excerise, keep a good diet, and know your limitations, there are a few other measures you can apply when life because unbearable.
* Ask yourself this question, "Is this something I have control over?" Fibromyalgia suffers have more stress than the average person. We wonder if we'll be able to continue working, paying the bills, buying food. Tasks that the average individual takes for granted. Unfortunately, the reality is that you must realize you have a condition. Sometimes, sadly, there is NOTHING you can do, no options open for a particular event. Realize what you have CONTROL over and what you don't. Think, will all this worrying make things better for you? Bring you extra money so you don't have to be so emotional? Keep you from losing your house? Of course not, all it will do is make you sicker. Make a sign over your bed that says "No STRESS". Look at it often. Remind yourself what you have control over and what you don't. Concentrate on healing and doing something that makes you happy during these times.
"God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I
can;and wisdom to know the difference."
* Analyize your options. It will take time, as sometimes your emotions will get the best of you, but when your mind is clear, write down your options. It feels wonderful to know you have some control and will put things in a clearer perspective. Take those options and run down the list until it is exhausted. There, you've done everything you can. When there is nothing left, take out the serenity prayer and read it often until the pain subsides.
* Work daily to grasp and rid yourself of stress before its talons grasp you. This is a learned behavior and will take time, but with constant reinforcement, you'll get a better hand on those inuendoes of life that make us crazy.
* Don't forget your Valerian Drops during these turbulent times.
Fibromyalgia suffers seem to be thwarted with stress. It is well known that fibromyalgia attacks the central nervous system. And, for any minute disruption in life, comes the plague of stress. Once that stress enters, your life is turned upside down with worry that is not easily abated. Even the smallest, trivial circumstance can become a full blown ordeal once the mind begins to tick.
Many fibromyalgia patients have a history of chronic stress, often due to overloading their schedules and taking on too much responsibility for other people such as family members. A high number of fibromyalgia patients are women who have “Type A” personalities and who lead ambitious, busy, stressful lives. Men with fibromyalgia often have worked in jobs that have resulted in physical job-related stress.
For fibromyalgia patients, stress can also make the condition worse and can trigger particular physical symptoms. People who suffer from fibromyalgia often have trouble knowing their personal limitations, which can make it hard for them to know when they are in danger of overexerting themselves. When fibromyalgia patients physically overexert themselves, this can often lead to increased stress, which results in increased pain. A vicious cycle can easily develop, because the pain can lead to more stress,
which, in turn, can lead to more pain.
It is important to get stress in check immediately. I know this is easier said than done. Some days those emotions just get a runaway leap before you can grasp the reigns. But if you ensure you have adequate sleep, excerise, keep a good diet, and know your limitations, there are a few other measures you can apply when life because unbearable.
* Ask yourself this question, "Is this something I have control over?" Fibromyalgia suffers have more stress than the average person. We wonder if we'll be able to continue working, paying the bills, buying food. Tasks that the average individual takes for granted. Unfortunately, the reality is that you must realize you have a condition. Sometimes, sadly, there is NOTHING you can do, no options open for a particular event. Realize what you have CONTROL over and what you don't. Think, will all this worrying make things better for you? Bring you extra money so you don't have to be so emotional? Keep you from losing your house? Of course not, all it will do is make you sicker. Make a sign over your bed that says "No STRESS". Look at it often. Remind yourself what you have control over and what you don't. Concentrate on healing and doing something that makes you happy during these times.
"God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I
can;and wisdom to know the difference."
* Analyize your options. It will take time, as sometimes your emotions will get the best of you, but when your mind is clear, write down your options. It feels wonderful to know you have some control and will put things in a clearer perspective. Take those options and run down the list until it is exhausted. There, you've done everything you can. When there is nothing left, take out the serenity prayer and read it often until the pain subsides.
* Work daily to grasp and rid yourself of stress before its talons grasp you. This is a learned behavior and will take time, but with constant reinforcement, you'll get a better hand on those inuendoes of life that make us crazy.
* Don't forget your Valerian Drops during these turbulent times.
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