The Do’s and Don’ts of Fibro

We all know life with Fibro has it’s ups and downs. One day you are fine and can handle everything, the next you can’t even get out of bed.

These 14 doctor-recommended do’s and don’ts will help you pace yourself on difficult days, get rid of guilt, and sidestep stress when your symptoms flare.

1. You need to listen to your body

• When you need time to yourself or you need time for your body to heal, take time off.
• Fatigue is your body’s way to tell you to slow down.
• Women tend to want to fight fatigue instead of resting as they should, which in turn makes their symptoms worse and makes them feel even more exhausted.

2. You do not always have to put others first

• You need to learn to put you and your needs first.
• Don’t skip doctor visits to do something else.
• Don’t make poor choices when it comes to your health when you take care of yourself it will have a positive impact on both you and those around you.
• Don’t feel guilty when you can’t do something.

3. Do make good use of the energy you have

• Don’t overdo things.
• Do what you can for as long as you can.
• Don’t underestimate your capabilities when you’re feeling good.

4. Don’t overdo it on good days

• Don’t make up for lost time on pain free days.
• Do learn to pace yourself. This really is the key to managing your condition.
• Doing too much might trigger a flare.

5. Do learn to say ‘No’!

• Don’t have to much going on at once.
• Do try to keep stress and anxiety to a minimum.
• Don’t feel guilty if you say no.
• Do try to keep doing things you love. But only as and when you want to.

6. Don’t just sit around – Be active if you can

• Regular exercise can help keep flares at bay,
• Do enough to make you feel good but don’t overdo thing.
• Find what works for you.
• Don’t start any form of exercise without speaking to your doctor first.

7. Do keep your mind busy

If you are unable to do any form of exercise, then do try to be mentally active instead by:

• Doing Crossword puzzles.
• Doing Sudokus.
• Watching a thought-provoking movie.
• Doing challenging games.
• Do some work on your computer.

These and similar activities can:

• Help you relieve stress.
• Prevent anxiety and excess worrying.
• Prevents your symptoms from getting worse.

8. Don’t put all your focus on Fibromyalgia

Focussing and worrying about your next flare will only increase your stress levels which in turn will make you feel worse.

• Instead focus on something positive.
• Do tell yourself you feel better,
• By focusing less on the pain, you will find you may feel it less

9. Do ask for help

• Do accept you may need to ask for help on your bad days.
• Do ask family and friends to lend a hand.
• Don’t feel guilty because you have had to ask.

10. Don’t stop communicating

• Do talk to people about your condition.
• Do share with them how you feel on both good and bad days.
• Do tell them its ok for them to ask questions.
• Don’t bottle things up your condition not only affects you but those around you too.

11. Do stick to a schedule

• Maintain daily routines and activities. This will help you understand your energy levels better.
• Take your medication at the exact time every day.
• Go to bed at the same time every night,
• Exercise at the same time every day,

12. Don’t listen to negativity

• Do make a point to not listen or let negative things drag you down.
• Avoid people that can’t or won’t acknowledge your Fibro.
• Don’t let your doctor dismiss your symptoms. Instead find one who will listen and work with you.

13. Do question your Doctor

• Ask about the medications you have been prescribed.
• Ask about alternative treatments that are available.
• Ask about supplements that would be useful.

14. Don’t shut down

• Do stay connected with all your family and friends.
• Don’t hide yourself away.
• If you are not well enough to go out invite people over to see you instead.
• Do stay connect online and through your phone as well.

THE LINK TO OUR RESEARCH

https://www.everydayhealth.com/fibromyalgia/dos-donts-living-with-fibromyalgia-pain/

THE LINK TO OUR SOURCES

https://www.google.com/

THE REASON FOR USING THESE RESOURCES

To help you understand how to feel less guilty about your condition and how pacing can help you alongside other things to manage the stress that impacts on flares.