6 Ways to Feel better with Fibromyalgia

6 Ways to Feel Better With Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia symptoms got you down? These self-help strategies can have you feeling good again.

By Dennis Thompson Jr.Medically reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH

There are a number of self-help activities and strategies that fibromyalgia patients can use to distract themselves from their chronic pain. By giving an outlet to your emotions, you should be better able to deal with your physical symptoms.

Self-Help Strategies for Fibromyalgia Pain
Try these ideas to help lift your spirits:

1. Question your moods. Don't accept your moods at face value; instead, learn to question them. "Anytime [you are] down or anxious or angry, use the mood as a signal to figure out what you were thinking and then do battle with that thought," Fry says. "Ask questions of it. Is that really the case? Would other people see it that way? Test it against reality to see if it's true."

For example, think of someone who suddenly assumes her friends no longer want to be with her because fibromyalgia flares have caused her to repeatedly cancel plans. "Ask yourself, 'If I had friends like that, would I give up on them?' Probably not," Fry says.

2. Unleash your creativity. Expressing the way you feel through writing or art — whether it's journaling, drawing, or scrapbooking — has been proven to relieve pain and improve symptoms. Keep in mind that talent doesn’t matter. It's all about expressing yourself in a way that helps you and others better understand the chronic fibromyalgia pain you are dealing with.

3. Listen to music — or play it yourself. Music therapy is another strategy proven to help people deal with chronic pain. You might find a piece of music that you really enjoy and that helps get your mind off your fibromyalgia. Or you might try your hand at writing music or lyrics that describe your pain.

4. Smell the roses. Aromatherapy can help fibromyalgia patients through the use of fragrances from certain essential oils. People who respond to aromatherapy can experience a reduction in their pain and a boost in their overall mood. Try lavender or jasmine for relaxation, lemon or geranium for energy, or eucalyptus, peppermint, or juniper to relieve soreness.

5. Solve a puzzle. Doing a crossword or taking part in another mental challenge can take your mind off your pain.

6. Try relaxation therapy. Relaxation techniques can be a great way to deal with chronic pain. Deep breathing, guided imagery, and meditation are just some of the relaxation techniques available to people with fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia can be painful, but having the courage to try new things may help you cope.