Helping yourself is all about YOU doing the things that help YOU improve the quality of YOUR life.

It can be hard to maintain a positive attitude to life when your symptoms are dragging you down, but it is important that you try. A study in 2004 showed that people who maintained a self-help programme and didn’t take medications were less fatigued, depressed and anxious than a group that were just taking medications.

There are many ways in which you can help yourself cope with Fibromyalgia:

• Maintain a Fibromyalgia Diary or use an app for your smart phone.

• Do your best to exercise. It can be difficult, because of the pain it causes, but exercise will keep you healthier.

• Try low-intensity exercise options: swimming, walking, tai-chi and yoga. Start slowly and increase in time.

• Planning and pacing are your guide words. Try to plan one activity for achievement and one for enjoyment.

• Meditation will be effective in reducing pain.

• Use heat and cold for pain relief. Hot shower/ bath with Epsom salts can ease aching legs.

• Maintain good posture throughout your day. Bad posture can put strain on your neck and back.

• Rest is essential. Power nap or simply laying down for 15 minutes, can recharge you and keep you going. Even try sitting with your feet up.

• Maintain good sleep hygiene. Try to get to bed and get up at the same time every day and keep daytime napping to a minimum.

• Avoid repetitive motions that can cause muscle burn and joint aches.This may cause severe pain later in the day and contribute to restless legs etc.

• Use mobility aids such as a walking stick may help. There are many options. Just having the right potato peeler can make a big difference. Check out the Independent Living Centre WA Site for ideas and info. Here…

• Relax, stress is one of the worst triggers for fibro. Smell the flowers, read a book, do some deep-breathing exercises. Try not to dwell on things, even thinking about the things you used to be able to do and are now a challenge. It will only get you down.

• Maintain a positive attitude. It can have a big impact on your symptoms. Have healthy eating habits and make sure that you have a balanced diet.

• Educate yourself. The more you know, the better equipped you will be to manage your illness.

• Get out of the house and meet other people with fibromyalgia as it can be a very isolating illness. Our social coffee catch ups are one way to help with this. Check our calendar for details.

• Encourage family and friends to learn about fibromyalgia. It is important that people close to you understand some of what you are dealing with.

• Distraction therapy can be a big help. Things that take your mind off your pain can improve your quality of life.

• Have a life and do things that make you feel valued. Volunteering, working part time and helping out family and friends, can be fantastic for your self-esteem and your mental state.

• Talk to a professional. See a psychologist or counsellor to learn how to better manage what is going on in your life.

• You may have your own ways to deal with your Fibromyalgia symptoms. Send us an email if you would like to share or you require more information on these points.

Info@FibroNetwork.Org.Au