Managing Stress and Living a Healthy Life
Feeling better starts with you. You have the power to take control of fibromyalgia. Lifestyle changes — even small ones — can have a big impact on the way you feel.
Improving your diet and nutrition, sleep habits, and stress management can help you live better with fibromyalgia.
The way the body responds to physical or emotional stress may trigger or worsen the symptoms of any illness, including fibromyalgia. So, managing stress and living a healthy life are important parts of controlling fibromyalgia.
Tips on Managing Stress
"There are three questions that I have printed out on my desk and at home that help me deal with stress..."
"You have to tell yourself 'You're doing the best you can,' and just keep trying..."
"So much of dealing with fibromyalgia is attitude. It takes work, it takes some self-reflection..."
"Find out what your triggers are..."
"You have to find your new normal and accept that it's not the same as what you had before..."
"Get hooked up with a registered dietitian. I found a dietitian who specializes in fibromyalgia and she gives education classes on nutrition..."
"I find massage to be helpful. Some people might feel guilty because they think it's a luxury but it's not..."
"When I'm feeling like I'm in a bad place, I will put on a favorite CD. Usually, it's something loud that I can sing along with..."
"The most important thing is attitude..."
"I'm a type-A personality, and I've actually had to learn to say to myself, 'Listen, you're going to get worse if you don't just stop.' ..."
What helps you manage fibromyalgia?
Share your own tips for overcoming the daily challenges of fibromyalgia.
