THE FIBROMATES JOURNAL

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!

by Irene Roth, Blog Editor/Writer

December brings a unique charm—one filled with the glow of lights, the scent of evergreens, and the warmth of holiday gatherings. While these are universally cherished parts of the season, personal traditions bring something special, adding a layer of meaning and joy to the holidays. Personal traditions don’t need to follow societal norms or family expectations; they’re about creating moments that resonate with you and bring you comfort and happiness. Here’s how you can embrace personal traditions to make this season truly your own.

1. Start with Simple, Meaningful Moments

Your personal traditions don’t have to be elaborate; sometimes, the simplest moments bring the greatest joy. Consider starting a tradition of setting aside one evening each week in December to cozy up with a favorite book or movie. Light a candle, make a warm drink, and allow yourself to fully relax. This kind of “me time” is a small but powerful way to unwind amid the holiday bustle. Personal traditions like these give you space to savor the season at your own pace, allowing you to fully enjoy the spirit of December without added stress.

2. Incorporate Mindful Rituals

Mindfulness can transform ordinary activities into cherished traditions. Something as simple as a morning gratitude practice can become a grounding ritual for the season. Take a few moments each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for, perhaps jotting them down in a journal. Another mindful ritual could be a quiet evening walk to admire neighborhood holiday lights. Observing the decorations, feeling the crisp air, and taking in the sights can bring a peaceful sense of joy. These mindful moments invite you to slow down, grounding you in a sense of calm and appreciation during a busy time.

3. Create Seasonal Self-Care Routines

December can be hectic, so building a self-care routine as part of your personal tradition can help you feel refreshed. This could involve pampering yourself with a warm bath and calming essential oils or indulging in a DIY spa night at home. Use December as a time to check in with yourself, nurturing your mind and body with care. These routines don’t have to be elaborate—a simple face mask or a few moments of meditation can serve as a gentle reminder that the season is about rest and rejuvenation too. By prioritizing self-care, you’ll feel more balanced and ready to enjoy the festivities.

4. Savor the Little Pleasures

December is filled with sensory delights, from festive treats to cozy blankets, and these small joys can easily become part of your personal traditions. Pick a favorite seasonal recipe—maybe hot cocoa or gingerbread cookies—and make it a special treat to enjoy on a particular day each week. You can also set up a cozy corner at home, with blankets and soft lighting, where you can unwind each evening. These small comforts help create a sense of continuity throughout the month, bringing you moments of calm and joy even on the busiest days.

5. Engage in Creative Activities

If you enjoy creative projects, use December as an opportunity to make something meaningful. You might start a tradition of creating holiday cards, knitting scarves, or baking cookies for friends and neighbors. You could also try crafting ornaments or decorating your space in a way that feels personal to you. Creative activities can be meditative, allowing you to express yourself while making something unique to celebrate the season. The process itself becomes a joyful, memorable experience that adds richness to your personal holiday traditions.

6. Reflect on the Year and Set Intentions

December’s end offers a natural pause, making it a perfect time to reflect on the year and set intentions for the next. Consider making a personal tradition of journaling or writing a letter to yourself each December. Reflect on the moments and lessons of the past year, noting your achievements, challenges, and joys. Then, set a few intentions or goals for the year to come. This reflective ritual doesn’t have to be formal; it’s a way to close out the year with mindfulness and begin the next with purpose. Taking time for reflection helps you feel more connected to your journey, making the holiday season feel deeply meaningful.

7. Celebrate the Season in Your Own Way

One of the best parts of personal traditions is that they’re entirely yours. You don’t need to follow conventional holiday customs if they don’t resonate with you. Perhaps you prefer spending time in nature over attending holiday parties, or maybe you find joy in a quiet evening at home rather than elaborate events. Let go of the idea that traditions need to be shared or approved by others. Instead, focus on what brings you peace and happiness. Embrace traditions that reflect your personality and values, allowing you to feel more authentic in your celebrations.

By taking these steps, you can celebrate the season with simple joys that you choose and that are in line with your new normal.