Fibromyalgia is a complex, chronic pain disorder that causes widespread pain and tenderness.
I often refer to the fact that I have fibromyalgia in my posts, but many of you might have found your way here through some of my other musings, so I thought I should introduce some of you to this condition.
Continue reading “What Is Fibromyalgia?”“The greatest evil is physical pain.”
If you know me or have read my posts, you know that I avoid drugs and prefer natural approaches and lifestyle choices to cope with my fibromyalgia and chronic back pain. That is not to say I don’t use any drugs, it’s just that I minimize what I take due to my heightened sensitivity to side effects.
There has been a lot written about CBD oil the past few years, especially as more states begin legalizing marijuana. It’s even made its way onto the pages of my beauty magazines. But since I am reluctant to use drugs (legal or otherwise), and I work for the government, I have never considered this as an option until recently.
Continue reading “My Doctor Suggested CBD Oil for Pain”Letting go of things that no longer bring you joy or satisfaction can in itself be joyful and satisfying!
It’s a new year full of new hope and new promise. Many of us start the new year with resolutions or diets or workout regimens, hoping to shed some holiday weight or gain some new perspective or success. This year I didn’t make any bold resolutions or promises, but I did choose a word for the year. Simplify.
Last year was all about being deliberate about my choices and what I did. I found this gave me increased success with my blog. I wrote more posts, I gained more followers, I engaged more, and I even got nominated for an award. So what is it that I want to simplify this year?
Continue reading “6 Tips to Simplify Your Life”“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” ~ Hans Hofmann
Chronic stress can cause extreme duress on the fibro body and your adrenal system.
Managing my fibromyalgia is a careful balancing act of self-care. This involves eating healthy, getting adequate sleep, working out, and taking time for me. Living with fibromyalgia means that normal, every day stressors can place an additional hardship on the fibro body. So when you are faced with an extended period of stress – bad flare or other health crisis, work deadlines, family emergencies, or simply just getting through the holidays – you can place an extreme amount of duress on your body and your adrenal system.
“Adrenaline is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, especially in conditions of stress, increasing rates of blood circulation, breathing, and carbohydrate metabolism and preparing muscles for exertion.”
You can feel this when your heart starts to race or your hands or body sweats. Adrenaline is also responsible for that fight-or-flight mechanism that can give people extraordinary strength in times of crisis. And an over-exposure to the stress hormones can tamper with your overall well-being.
Continue reading “6 Ways to Cope with Stress when you Have a Chronic Illness”
My Inspired Fibro Life 