Month: October 2024

by Irene Roth, Blog Editor/Writer

Living with fibromyalgia presents unique challenges that can deeply affect an individual’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Chronic pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties, often referred to as fibro fog, are just a few symptoms of this complex condition. While medical treatments can address some aspects of fibro, there is a growing recognition that holistic approaches to self-care, including creativity, can play an essential role in managing the condition.

Engaging in creative activities has the potential to not only provide an outlet for expression, but also to promote relaxation, mental clarity, and emotional resilience, making it a powerful tool for those living with fibro.

Here are a few benefits of starting a creative venture.

First, for individuals with fibromyalgia, creativity can become a therapeutic outlet. Managing emotions, such as frustration, sadness, or anxiety, can be challenging. Chronic pain often leads to feelings of isolation or helplessness, which can contribute to mental health issues like depression. Creativity offers an outlet for expressing these feelings in a way that is both constructive and healing. Whether it’s through painting, writing, crafting, or music, the act of creating allows us to externalize our emotions, transforming our inner struggles into something tangible and meaningful.

For instance, many people find that writing in a journal helps them process their pain, frustration, or anxiety. Expressing feelings through words can be cathartic, helping to bring clarity to the emotional whirlwind that often accompanies chronic illness.

Similarly, visual arts, like painting or drawing, allow individuals to express emotions in a non-verbal way, offering freedom from the limitations that words sometimes impose. In doing so, creativity can help fibro sufferers better understand their feelings and find a sense of control over their emotional state, which can be empowering.

Second, creativity can enhance focus and reducing fibro fog. Individuals who live with fibro may experience memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and general mental fatigue. Creative activities that require focused attention can be particularly beneficial in managing this symptom. Engaging in creative tasks such as knitting, drawing, or even cooking can help sharpen concentration and enhance cognitive function, offering a mental workout that may mitigate some of the effects of fibro fog.

The structured but flexible nature of creative tasks can provide a sense of order amidst the cognitive chaos that often accompanies fibro fog. For example, crafting or creating art often requires careful attention to detail, which helps to redirect focus away from the mind’s usual distractions. This shift in focus can serve as a break from the cognitive exhaustion many with fibro experience daily. Moreover, the satisfaction of completing a project can boost confidence, reminding individuals of their capability to think clearly and complete tasks, despite their illness.

Third, being creative can promote relaxation and reducing stress. Stress is a significant cause of fibromyalgia symptoms, and managing stress levels is essential for overall well-being. Being creative can become a natural stress reliever by encouraging mindfulness and relaxation. Many creative activities, like painting, knitting, or playing music, promote a meditative state, allowing individuals to immerse themselves fully in the present moment. This mindfulness can help reduce the body’s stress response, which is often heightened in individuals with fibro.

Fourth, creativity can build emotional resilience and a sense of accomplishment. One of the greatest challenges of living with fibromyalgia is the feeling of being out of control, as the condition is unpredictable, with flare-ups that can derail even the best-laid plans. Engaging in creative projects can help build emotional resilience by fostering a sense of achievement and control. Completing a project, no matter how small, can boost self-esteem and provide a much-needed sense of accomplishment.

For someone living with fibromyalgia, finding joy in everyday activities can sometimes feel impossible because of pain and fatigue. Creativity allows for flexibility in terms of energy and time commitment, offering a sense of freedom in a life often constrained by the limitations of chronic illness. Even on days when energy levels are low, engaging in a simple creative act, like coloring or writing a few lines in a journal, can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Over time, this can contribute to a more positive outlook on life, as individuals realize they can still experience joy and satisfaction despite their physical limitations.

In conclusion, creativity offers individuals living with fibromyalgia a multifaceted form of self-care that addresses emotional, cognitive, and physical challenges. By providing an outlet for expression, promoting relaxation, and enhancing focus, creative activities can be a powerful tool for people living with fibromyalgia. For those living with this condition, tapping into their creative potential can be a transformative and healing practice, contributing to a higher quality of life.

by Kelly Renaud, Self-Care Guide, Alchemy 4 My Soul

Self-care is a term that is bandied about a lot these days. People often think it means activities like taking a bubble bath, curling up with a good book or movie, or getting some exercise. Absolutely! These are great forms of self-care. And did you know there is so much more when it comes to caring for yourself, with or without a chronic illness?

As a fibro warrior with multiple comorbidities, part of my path of growth and awakening has led me to realize that my soul’s purpose is to share self-care tools with others. It is why I facilitate meditation and journalling both inside and outside the fibro community and why I started my Facebook page, Alchemy 4 My Soul.

From time to time on my journey, I have read books that have been full of eureka moments and I want to share one with you today.

“The Art of Extreme Self-Care” by Cheryl Richardson is a book I feel everyone should read. I actually wondered several times while reading it how my life would potentially be different if I had read and heeded Cheryl’s sage advice long ago. To see how powerful it is, just have a look at the statements found at the front of the book and see how they resonate with you.

Some of these statements are more reflective of my life when I was still able to be in the workplace but wow! Could I see myself in every one?!

The book is laid out in a way that I found great to read for someone like myself who frequently has cognitive challenges – nice short chapters, divided into little, digestible chunks. Each chapter includes a challenge that is intended to be undertaken over the space of a month, as well as some terrific resources for follow-up or deeper study if interested.

The author recommends that you read through the entire book once before deciding which challenge you want to start with, and humorously nudges the reader that perhaps the topic that least appeals to you is the one you need to address first. 😉

In the most recent version of the book, Richardson also includes some guidelines for creating and running a support group for working your way through the book, which helps with accountability, if that appeals to you.

I thoroughly enjoyed the read-through and found that, even though I was not starting on the challenges right away, the awareness of the topics and the suggestions to address them were already planted as seeds in long-fertile soil. I started to recognize opportunities in my life to start making small changes immediately! I really hope you will give this book a try. I have already recommended it to so many people and am glad to give it a ringing endorsement here to reach a wider audience.

Take (extreme) care!

by Irene Roth, Blog Editor/Writer

Individuals living with fibro often face a variety of physical and mental health challenges that can make daily life difficult. One of the most effective ways to manage fibromyalgia symptoms is to prioritize self-care. One way to do this is to create a personal sanctuary in the comforts of your home.

Creating a dedicated to relaxation, healing, and rejuvenation need not be difficult. We don’t have to go out and spend hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars with special equipment, scents or more. We can simply create a simple, yet comfy space, where we can be quiet and relax.

Creating a dedicated place where we can relax can help alleviate stress, promote well-being, and provide a much-needed escape from the demands of daily life.

Here’s how to create such a space, focusing on comfort, mindfulness, and practical considerations for individuals with fibro.

First, select the right spot in your home. This doesn’t need to be a large space; it could be a cozy corner in the living room, a quiet bedroom nook, or even a small area in a sunroom or garden. The key is to choose a place that feels peaceful, private, and comfortable. If you live with others, communicate your need for a quiet, personal space where you won’t be disturbed.

Second, create a space that prioritizes comfort. This is essential for individuals with living with fibromyalgia, who often experience chronic pain and fatigue. Start with the seating. You may want to try a chair, couch, or recliner that provides ample support for your back, neck, and joints. A memory foam cushion or heated blanket can add extra comfort and warmth, soothing muscle tension.

Fill your space with soft textures that create a cozy, nurturing atmosphere. Consider adding plush pillows, soft throws, and comfortable blankets that allow you to rest in comfort. For flooring, a soft rug underfoot can reduce discomfort, especially if you like to sit or meditate on the floor.

Lighting also plays a crucial role in making the space feel soothing. Harsh, bright lights can aggravate sensitivity in people with fibro, so instead, opt for soft, ambient lighting. String lights, salt lamps, or dimmable table lamps can create a warm, calming environment. Natural light is another excellent option. If possible, position the space near a window to let in soft, natural light during the day.

Third, incorporate relaxing scents. Aromatherapy can be incredibly beneficial for relaxation and pain management in individuals with fibromyalgia. Essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus are known for their calming properties and can help soothe both the mind and body. Try putting some of these oils into an oil diffuser. You can also use scented candles or room sprays.

Fourth, add calming sounds in your space. Gentle, soothing sounds can help drown out distractions, relieve stress, and create a more serene environment. A white noise machine, nature sound app, or a small indoor water fountain can provide a steady stream of relaxing sounds to help you unwind. If music is more your style, create a playlist of gentle, calming tunes, such as instrumental music, classical pieces, or ambient soundscapes are ideal.

Fifth, add mindfulness and meditation tools. Mindfulness and meditation can be effective ways to manage stress and anxiety while fostering a sense of inner peace. Consider incorporating mindfulness tools into your sanctuary, such as a meditation cushion, yoga mat, or soft blankets for seated or lying down meditation.

You might also consider keeping a journal in your sanctuary where you can write down your thoughts, track your symptoms, or express gratitude. Journaling can be a powerful tool for mental well-being and can help you process your feelings while giving you an outlet for self-reflection.

Guided meditations, mindfulness apps, or calming podcasts can also be part of your healing routine. Make sure to include items that make you feel good, whether it’s a favorite book, calming teas, or even a weighted blanket for grounding.

Creating a self-care sanctuary at home is not just about decorating a space. It’s about fostering a place where you can retreat, heal, and find comfort despite the challenges of fibromyalgia. By incorporating comfort, mindfulness, aromatherapy, and relaxation tools, you can build a personalized haven that supports your well-being and provides relief from your symptoms. This sacred space can become a cornerstone of your self-care routine, helping you manage the condition and find moments of peace amidst the pain.