Could sleep deprivation be a root cause for many fibromyalgia symptoms? While sleep issues are a fact of life for most of us with Fibromyalgia, sleep studies are still not commonly provided. And, often, even when they are they provide little helpful information. The lucky few find that they … [Read more...]
Tips for holiday stress relief
11 Tips for Holiday Stress Relief I hope you are able to enjoy a relaxing day with friends and family whatever you choose to celebrate (or not) this holiday season. I know that regardless of what holidays you may celebrate this time of year can bring a lot of stress. Over the years I've put … [Read more...]
5 things to help you deal with year end anxiety
A New Year Brings New Anxiety I struggle a lot this time of year, and I'm pretty sure I'm not alone. The holidays bring a lot of stress and I've realized this year that there are things about this particular time of year that bring me stress beyond the typical holiday stress. I noticed a few … [Read more...]
How to keep from growing bitter when you aren’t getting better
How to Keep from Growing Bitter When You Aren't Getting Better guest post by Angie Glaser On August 21, 2017, the moon, Earth, and sun lined up perfectly causing the morning sky to darken in a solar eclipse. Morning darkness is eerie. Everything is where it should be - except the … [Read more...]
4 Challenges of Being an Introvert with Chronic Illness
4 Challenges of Being an Introvert with Chronic Illness Guest post by Kami Lingren Navigating the changes that have come with a not-so-normal immune system have been, well, interesting. And throwing in my introverted personality? Now, that’s come with it's own set of "fun". Ahem, like every … [Read more...]
4 Ways I Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are two things that I try to avoid, but I can't always. Sometimes I just get anxious for no reason, or I start thinking about all that I need to do and I stress myself out. I try to stay focused on the present moment but it doesn't always work. About 20 years ago I had one of … [Read more...]
How Chronic Pain Affects Sex in New Relationships
Chronic illness affects sex in relationships. The sad truth of the matter is that sexual dysfunction is almost the norm for those of us with Fibromyalgia, and for many other chronic illnesses. There are a lot of differences, though, between chronic pain hitting existing established relationships and … [Read more...]
The Relationship between Stress, Depression & Fibromyalgia
The Relationship Between Stress, Depression & Fibromyalgia Stress plays a major role in both fibromyalgia and depression. While there are many similarities in fibromyalgia and depression, including brain areas that are activated and how both respond to stress, fibromyalgia is more than just … [Read more...]
Using Aromatherapy to Create Calm
Essential oils are huge right now. Everywhere you turn you hear about how this oil or that can help this ill or that. And, there's a reason for all the hype. Essential oils are amazing for many things. Aromatherapy is using those essential oils through scent to set a mood or to help ease a … [Read more...]
Finding Serenity and Rejuvenation
As I shared with her earlier in the week, things have been a little hectic for the last couple of months. Stress has been high, which (thanks to Fibro) has meant increased pain and fatigue. Increased fatigue (combined with more time with my mom) has meant less time to focus on things like blogging … [Read more...]