Do you view a Fibromyalgia diagnosis a death sentence to your mobility and active lifestyle?  It doesn’t have to be that way.  Yes, having Fibromyalgia may cause you to take things more slowly, do fewer things and to accomplish tasks in a different way, but it does not have to be the end of your life on two feet.  Even though it hurts to move, movement is one of the best things to do to fight the pain and emotional feelings that can come with this illness.  Lying in bed or on the couch for long periods of time can be one of the worst thing for someone with Fibromyalgia and can actually make it more painful once you do move.

Although there are times when you may have to take it easy because of a severe flare or rehabilitation phase, most of the time it is best to exercise some each day.  The exercise will actually relieve some of the pain and fatigue.  In choosing what to do to get moving, you do need to be careful not to move too much or risk a flare.  One possible routine would be to walk slowly around the house or yard for a few minutes upon waking and then move into something like sweeping the floor with a broom or doing the dishes.  These activities keep you moving, but not too strenuously.  You could take your dog for a walk, maybe 5-10 minutes or more depending on your current status. 

If you work, then it may be helpful to get up from your desk and walk around every hour or so to keep the joints and muscles loose and to keep from getting to tense.  Also, during lunch time just walking to your car parked at a farther parking space away, or walking around the block can help.  Once you get home from work the routine of supper preparation and clean up may be enough to keep you moving, but some may need another walk around the block or some yoga stretches. 

Many of the athletic activities may become limited with the Fibromyalgia, but there will still be activities that you can enjoy that will keep you moving and a part of life.  Maybe you can’t play that sport anymore, but maybe you could referee a game or become an assistant coach of that sport.  You may not dance all night, but a dance to a favorite song would keep you in step in more than one way.  You can play games with your kids like croquet or bocce ball or yard darts, just have them pick up the balls for you.  Fun can still be a part of your life with Fibromyalgia, but it will just have to be adjusted some.  Whatever you do, don’t just give up and sit, move when and how you can.

Sponsors