Month: December 2024

by Irene Roth, Blog Editor/Writer

Creating simple pleasures in December can be a challenge, with all that’s going on. There are so many parties to go to, cooking to do, socializing to accommodate and much more. The good news is that we all have a choice to be tempted to move at the tempo of the culture or create a simpler and more peaceful vibe ourselves so that we can enjoy the holidays.

For those with fibromyalgia, December’s chill and holiday bustle can bring challenges, making it essential to create a cozy, relaxing retreat at home. A thoughtfully designed corner, filled with warmth and comfort, can provide fibromates with a sanctuary that soothes aches, reduces stress, and uplifts the spirit.

Here’s how to create a nurturing space that caters to the specific needs of a fibro warrior.

1. Choose the Perfect Spot

Selecting the right spot for your cozy corner is the first step. Ideally, this area should be away from household noise and distractions, perhaps by a window with natural light or in a quieter room that feels private. Consider an area near a window where you can catch a view of the outside. Natural light can have a calming effect and boost mood, even on cloudy days. If you’re short on space, a small nook, a corner in the living room, or a space in the bedroom can work well—anywhere that offers enough room to sit comfortably and unwind.

2. Add a Comfortable Chair or Cushions

Comfort is key when creating a fibro-friendly retreat. Choose a chair that offers good support for your back and legs, preferably one with soft cushioning. Oversized armchairs or reclining chairs are perfect for settling in, but a simple armchair with added cushions can work well, too. If a chair isn’t ideal for you, consider creating a floor space with large, supportive cushions that let you stretch out comfortably. Soft, thick fabrics like velvet or microfiber tend to be gentle on sensitive skin, so keep that in mind when selecting cushions or throws.

3. Use Warm, Soft Lighting

Lighting has a huge impact on ambiance, and softer lighting is ideal for a cozy corner. Avoid bright, harsh overhead lights, which can feel too stimulating, especially when you’re dealing with a fibro flare-up. Instead, go for gentle, warm-toned lighting, which creates a calming atmosphere. A small lamp with a dimmer switch can help you adjust the brightness as needed. String lights or battery-operated candles are also great for adding a cozy glow without overwhelming your senses.

4. Embrace Layers with Soft Textiles

To create the ultimate cozy space, layering with soft textiles is essential. Blankets and throws in cozy, touchable fabrics like fleece, cashmere, or cotton knit can provide both warmth and comfort. Having different textures available allows you to adjust based on your needs—heavier blankets for warmth or lighter ones for milder days. Don’t hesitate to add more than one blanket so you can adjust as needed. A weighted blanket, if you find it soothing, can offer an extra layer of comfort and security.

5. Surround Yourself with Calming Scents

Scent can have a powerful effect on mood and comfort, so consider adding a calming fragrance to your cozy corner. Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, or eucalyptus are popular choices for relaxation and pain relief. You can use a small diffuser for a subtle aroma, or keep it simple with a candle in your favorite calming scent. Make sure to avoid overpowering scents, which can sometimes lead to sensory overload. The goal is to add just enough fragrance to enhance the calming vibe without overwhelming the senses.

6. Stock Your Space with Comfort Essentials

Personalize your cozy corner with items that bring comfort and help you relax. Keep a small basket nearby with your favorite books, journals, or a tablet loaded with calming music, audiobooks, or podcasts. You might also enjoy having a small table to hold a hot drink like herbal tea or hot cocoa, which can be both soothing and warming. Consider adding items that ease fibro symptoms, such as a massager, essential oils, or even a mindful coloring book. These items make it easy to unwind and shift into a state of relaxation whenever you’re in your space.

Creating a cozy, warm corner tailored for a fibro warrior is about building a space that brings comfort, calm, and relief. By carefully selecting soft textures, warm lighting, gentle heat, and items that inspire peace, you can transform even a small corner into a sanctuary that nurtures both body and soul. Whether you’re resting, reading, or simply being, this space can become a refuge that helps you face the cold days of December with warmth, comfort, and renewed energy.

by Irene Roth, Blog Editor/Writer

December is often filled with festive cheer, but for those with fibromyalgia, it can be a season of mixed emotions. The cold weather and holiday bustle can sometimes intensify symptoms, making it harder to enjoy the month.

However, December doesn’t need to be filled with grand events to be meaningful; it’s about discovering simple pleasures that bring warmth, comfort, and a sense of peace. This is especially the case for fibromates who feel overwhelmed by pain and fatigue even without the pending holidays.

Here’s how fibromates can make December a month of small yet satisfying joys.

1. Cozy Up with Warmth

Cold temperatures can worsen fibromyalgia pain, making warmth a real source of comfort. Set up a cozy corner in your home with blankets, a soft pillow, and maybe even a heating pad. A warm cup of tea, cocoa, or herbal infusion can be deeply comforting. Make time to slow down in this cozy space each day, allowing yourself to fully relax, soak in the warmth, and let go of any stress. This small ritual can make even the chilliest days feel softer and more manageable.

2. Enjoy Seasonal Scents and Soft Lighting

The little things that evoke the season—like candles, essential oils, or holiday lights—can instantly lift your mood without requiring much energy. Seasonal scents like cinnamon, peppermint, or pine are not only festive but can be soothing for the mind. Diffuse a gentle scent or light a candle while you sit back and relax. Soft lighting, especially from string lights or candles, adds a warm glow to any room. Spending a few quiet minutes in this calm, inviting atmosphere can create a pocket of peace that feels both comforting and joyful.

3. Embrace Gentle Holiday Sounds

Music is a wonderful way to engage in the holiday season without physical exertion. Create a playlist of calming holiday tunes, classical music, or even nature sounds that evoke the winter season, like gentle snowfall or a crackling fireplace. Listening to soothing music can lower stress, enhance your mood, and help you feel more connected to the season. Take some time each day to listen mindfully, maybe while you sip tea or enjoy a warm blanket. This small sensory break can add to your holiday enjoyment.

4. Set Realistic Social Boundaries

The holiday season often comes with many social expectations, which can be challenging. Embrace the idea of “quality over quantity” when it comes to gatherings and visits. If you’re invited to a gathering, consider attending for a short time and communicate your limits to loved ones. If you’d prefer to stay in, arrange a brief video call or phone call instead. Setting gentle boundaries around socializing lets you enjoy meaningful connections without overwhelming your body or mind.

5. Savor Slow, Nourishing Foods

Winter’s cold makes warm, nourishing foods especially satisfying. December is a great time to enjoy soups, stews, and hot beverages that are not only comforting but also easy on your body. Cooking in bulk can save energy, so consider making a big pot of your favorite soup to reheat throughout the week. Even small food rituals, like savoring a cup of hot cocoa, can feel special and grounding. Nourishing yourself with comforting foods is a way to feel cared for and cozy all month long.

6. Make Space for Mindful Moments

Mindfulness is an excellent way to find calm amid the season’s hustle and bustle. Spend a few minutes each morning or evening practicing mindful breathing, journaling, or simply reflecting on small moments of gratitude. It could be as simple as appreciating the warmth of your blanket, the taste of your tea, or the view outside your window. Small moments of gratitude help ground you and bring a sense of calm. Practicing mindfulness each day can help you find a deeper sense of peace and contentment.

7. Create Your Own Low-Energy Rituals

Sometimes the joy of the holidays can come from little rituals that are uniquely yours. Consider spending an evening watching a favorite holiday movie, reading a cozy book, or even doing a small, creative activity like coloring or knitting. These low-energy, quiet activities let you enjoy the holiday season without putting extra strain on your body. They can become special personal traditions, giving you a sense of celebration that’s both relaxing and fulfilling.

By taking these steps, you can have a relaxing and meaningful holiday without overtaxing yourself and making yourself even sicker.

I hope you found some of these rituals meaningful to try. Let us know how you cultivate simple joys during the holidays.

Just leave a comment below.

by Irene Roth, Bog Editor/Writer

This book explores how tangible elements in our environment can evoke joy. Lee, a designer with a background in aesthetics and psychology, delves into how everyday surroundings influence our emotional well-being. The book discusses how the physical elements around us, such as color, shape, nature, playfulness—can lift us up.

The book is divided into ten themes, or “aesthetics of joy,” including color, abundance, energy, freedom, and celebration. For instance, Lee discusses how color can affect mood, citing studies on how vibrant hues boost energy and create positive associations. Lee uses accessible language and everyday examples, like playgrounds or balloons, to illustrate her points, making the research feel relevant to daily life.

Lee also brings in scientific findings and interviews with psychologists, designers, and artists, highlighting the importance of small, joyful adjustments. For example, she describes how urban spaces can be made more joyful by adding splashes of color, greenery, or unexpected shapes. She gives practical advice, like how to rearrange your home or add playful elements to your wardrobe to evoke a sense of joy.

One of the many strengths of Joyful is its visual and engaging writing style. Lee’s background in design clearly influences her writing, making abstract psychological concepts feel tangible and actionable. However, some readers may feel that the advice can be somewhat general or simplistic, as it doesn’t deeply address complex psychological conditions or the nuances of cultural perceptions of joy.

Overall, the book is an uplifting read that challenges the conventional view of happiness as solely an internal journey. Instead, Lee demonstrates that joy can often be cultivated by intentionally designing our surroundings to be more vibrant, playful, and welcoming. It’s a recommended read for anyone looking to add more color to their lives.

I chose this book to include this month on simple pleasures because it has helped me cultivate simple joys in the ordinary things in our lives. We don’t need things to be more complex. We just need to cultivate the cozy comforts of home and hearth. This is especially the case during the holidays when sitting beside a Christmas tree can add so much comfort and joy to our lives.

Happy Holidays Everyone!