5 Tips to help Fibromyalgia and Lupus Butterflies to feel better
1. Eat healthy, nutritious foods. We already know how important it is to get our fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, but with Fibromyalgia, you really need to pay attention to what you're eating. In fact, some foods, such as caffeine and highly processed foods, can exacerbate Fibromyalgia symptoms.
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2. Exercise more often. Of course we understand that exercising is the last thing on your mind when it comes to treating Fibromy1lgia. Nonetheless exercising with Fibromyalgia is one of the best ways to relieve Fibromyalgia symptoms: It increases energy, releases endorphins (feel-good hormones), strengthens muscles, and promotes better sleeping habits. Try a combination of aerobic, strengthening, and flexibility exercises. The key is to start off slow, there's no need to rush into exercise, especially if you haven't been physically active in a long time. Do what you can at your pace.
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3. Get a light massage and relax. Regular massage sessions can ease Fibromyalgia-related pain, but a light massage is also effective at decreasing stiffness and swelling, while increasing flexibility, and helps improve your range of motion.
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4. Manage your stress effectively. Not being able to deal with your stress can make pain and other Fibromyalgia & lupus symptoms feel a lot worse. Relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, can really help to make you feel better with Fibromyalgia and or Lupus. Try to establish some time each day to do activities you love to help relieve stress. For example, you could read a good book or take a warm bubble bath.
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5. Sleep more—and sleep better. Finding restorative, quality sleep is hard to come by, you're not alone. Many people with Fibromyalgia don't get enough sleep, and if they do, many of them don't feel well-rested. But getting quality sleep helps you feel your best and can also help reduce Fibromyalgia-related pain. Try to sleep at least 8 hours each night. To help you sleep, do deep breathing and/or meditation exercises. Also, establish regular sleeping times: Go to bed and wake up the same time every day—even on the weekends. If you still have trouble sleeping, have a conversation with your doctor about what you can do to get better sleep.
These 5 Fibromyalgia & Lupus-friendly lifestyle tips are easy things you can do today to feel better. You can do these things and start to feel better.
Remember FLNA always believes in YOU, and we're here to help you live a full, healthy *yet productive* life with Fibromyalgia and/ or Lupus.
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Butterfly Hugs,
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R. Denise Dunn
FLNA
