Fibromyalgia and PTSD together are very much a unique and challenging combination, believe me the shits SUCKS. Both affect me differently on multiple levels. Fibromyalgia inflicts widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties, making it harder to carry out daily tasks in a timely manner. I feel like the constant pain and unpredictability of fibro might trigger past trauma and amplify the emotional distress.
Coping with these conditions demands patience and self-awareness, because it’s not just physical, there are emotional ups and downs. Therapy, Marijuana and mindfulness helps me cope better. Yes, I said marijuana! Marijuana helps with both the physical and mental health.
Its a daily thing
Fibromyalgia and Excersize
Walking is an excellent form of exercise when struggling with fibromyalgia. Engaging in regular, low-impact walking helps me increase the blood flow to my muscles, assisting in reducing this nasty stiffness caused by fibro. It also triggers the release of endorphins, which my doctor preaches to me regularly, endorphins act as natural painkillers, alleviating fibromyalgia-related discomfort. I know walking improves my mood, I can be in a super shitty head space, and I take myself a nice night walk under the moon. By the time I venture back home, there is that sense of achievement and self-esteem boost from completing that adventure. I absolutely love walking but if you live in Iowa, winter can be super savage. That leaves you to find a place to walk indoors and I can tell you that my favorite walking spot in the winter is the downtown sky walks or the YMCA. So, in the winter indoor activity is where it’s at. Last year I started adding in the light inside exercises, such as Pilates and yoga, it was definitely beneficial. Those exercises have me more focused on controlled movements, flexibility, and balance without placing excessive strain on the sensitive muscles. Both Pilates and yoga foster more relaxation and stress reduction. When it comes to fibromyalgia and effectively maintaining, relaxation and stress reduction are crucial.
