by Guest Blogger Dale Rockell, Fibro and Photos
It’s very easy to let Fibro take any fun out of life. The numerous unpredictable and ever fluctuating symptoms, varying day by day with the constant pain, fatigue and impact on cognitive function can make just existing a challenge. The dreams, ambitions and expectations we, and our family may have had, have to take a back seat as we work out how to navigate our ‘new normal’ without negatively impacting our symptoms too much. However, to cope it’s vital to look for, or cultivate moments of joy, especially in the everyday things and interactions.
Mindfulness is one of the much-publicized self management techniques for coping with Fibro life, and finding joy in daily activities is mindfulness, being in and appreciating a moment however small, or simple it may seem. Cultivating a practice of mindfulness to see joy in life is a much-needed distraction from the 24/7 pain, fatigue and other challenges. It creates the feel happy chemicals our bodies and brain need to boost our immune system and help us rest.
As we head into the holiday season, a stressful time for many that’s full of family and societal expectations, let alone with the challenges of Fibro, how do we cultivate simple joys? I have some suggestions that not only apply to this time of year, but by making them habits will be helpful at any time. This is about moments of joy for you, it’s not something you necessarily need to share with others, and it doesn’t matter what others think of a situation that brings you joy.
Reframing your thinking and focus is the easiest way to see the simple joys that may already exist in your life, then it will be easier to cultivate new ones.
Hit pause, stop, listen and observe. As a photographer I am increasingly capturing street/candid photography and enjoy just watching and waiting to be able to capture a moment that may tell a story.
Sit in a cafe and watch the world go by while you slowly enjoy the sensation of your favourite beverage, (put your phone away!). A large oat milk decaf latte please!
Go for a walk, especially in nature but if that’s not possible just explore your local area, take a different route, or take an evening walk, watch a sunrise or sunset, (my favourite times of day but not easy with Fibro).
Appreciate the times you are with family, however challenging.
Look up at the night sky. It blows my mind to try and think of the vastness of space and I have an app that tells me what I’m looking at, (although the experience is not so good for my overly sensitive neck and spine).
Listen to your favourite music or radio station. As a musician I have a wide range of tastes but music from the 80’s, my teenage years, always brings me joy, but I am also careful to select something that suits my mood or is needed to cope with symptoms, or to create ambience to concentrate or complete a task. One minute I can be listening to heavy rock, the next I’m listening to pop, jazz, classical or meditative/ambient music.
Laughter is an excellent medicine, especially a full-on belly laugh, take time to watch a favourite comedian or comedy.
Watch a favourite movie, or go and watch a new one that looks appealing to you, even if it’s by yourself.
If you don’t have time to sit and read, or like me Fibro affects your vision, podcasts and audiobooks are a great way to learn, research and enjoy stories while you go about your day.
Simplify your activities and personal expectations to reduce stress, appreciate and find joy and inner peace in what you are able to do, and who you are able to spend time with.
Appreciate silence, alone time and your own company. Life is busy, even if it’s just a few minutes, welcome or cultivate quiet times, sit and breathe and relax.
Hi Brenda,
Thank you for reading my blog and visiting our website!
You are most welcome. I need to remind myself too regularly.
Take good care,
Irene
It is helpful to be reminded of how we can cope with fibro in some pretty simple ways, we have to remember about them though. Thank you for the reminders!