Living Beyond Fibro

Take a break. Feel your feels.

Holiday Flares Survival Guide.

If you're like me, sometimes you cheat on the holidays, knowing that you're running the risk of a flare, just for the emotional comfort of eating family holiday dishes.

Well, there's no use in beating yourself up about it now. So here's a holiday flare survival guide.

If you're flaring, the number #1 thing there is to do, is to stay calm. Stress is not your friend. So, breathe, meditate, pop on some happy music or watch something that makes you laugh.

#2 stay well hydrated. Dehydration causes flares and makes them worse!

#3 try heat in the form of a heating pad, an Epsom salt bath, and /or an infrared sauna, especially if it's cold where you are. Just don't over do it!

# 4 gentle movement like stretching or yin yoga.

# 5 don't self sabotage. Now is not the time to put off taking meds because you don't want to get out of bed or eating the food that will emotionally sooth you but probably make your fibro worse (I'm looking at you Thanksgiving stuffing and pecan pie!)

#6 Be kind to yourself. Cut the negative self talk and start with the positive affirmations and self love! Kicking yourself when your down is a massive waste of time!

#7 Be in communication. Share your needs with loved ones. If they don't get it, that's okay, too. What matters is that you advocate for yourself.

#8 Body work. If you can afford it and get an appointment, try acupuncture, cranial sacral and / or myofacial release massage therapy.