[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/5579522″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
(click to play)
OK…So that title may not exactly be true. I’m not feeling that good, actually. Every muscle in my being hurts, I’m exhausted, my eyes are so dry it hurts to blink and I constantly feel like I’m about to come down with flu.
BUT. I have made the decision to shift my mindset. I’m a bit bored of sitting here feeling sad about my condition. I’m going to get all positive and fight back. A gorgeous friend of mine, Alex, has recently had some health issues of her own, and has made such positive changes and is so passionate about natural health, I’m inspired to follow in her footsteps.
Of course, this starts with diet. No more takeaways or processed products. As much as possible, our cupboards are now stocked with fresh fruit and vegetables, and items which used to be standard, like white pasta and bread, have been replaced by wholemeal alternatives. I’m also using Coconut Oil instead of Olive Oil to cook with where appropriate, as it’s reported to be extremely good for people with Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia. And I’m cutting down on dairy and switching to Alpro to see if that has any affect on me too.
On top of that? I’m being more active. Not a lot more active, because unfortunately, that’s just not possible right now. But instead of staying cooped up here, I will make sure I go out at least once a week. Whether that be simply to visit a friend, or to go out to dinner with my man, or perhaps a quick meeting. Once a week may not seem much to you, but when I am at my worst, leaving the flat takes huge effort, and sometimes seems impossible. Simply climbing the stairs to my top floor flat leaves me feeling like I have broken limbs. So…making the commitment to get out is a big step., I feel the change of scenery and small amount of fresh air and exercise will be good for my body…and the stimulation of just being somewhere else good for my mind. Eventually, I want to be able to do small amounts of yoga again – or even be stronger than that. But for now? One goal at a time.
I’m open to trying ANY alternative health therapy offered to me…so more on that to come over the coming weeks.
Other than that? I’m consuming less caffeine and alcohol – which is probably the biggest change for me. I’ll allow myself the odd glass of GOOD red wine, and one cup of normal tea per day. The rest of the time I’ve switched to Pukka Tea (I’m a huge fan of Relax, Peppermint & Liquorice and Night Time blends) which contain no caffeine and therefore don’t encourage my insomnia. And I’m taking Nature’s Plus B12 softgels – which again are supposed to offer huge benefit to people with my pesky disorders.
I didn’t make any New Years Resolutions, and I’m not going to beat myself up if occasionally I get a little sad or frustrated, or have a bad day. I’m just gradually going to start counting my blessings rather than my problems again, and see if a change in my mindset can create a change in my body.
Worth a try, don’t you think?
If you know of any other changes I can make to relieve the symptoms of Fibromylagia and/or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, please do let me know in the comment box below. I’ve found fellow sufferers of chronic illness so helpful so far so would love this to be a place to share knowledge and tips. It’s a horrible way to live so lets try to make it a little easier on ourselves…
Have you tried a mix of multivitamins? Magnesium helps you sleep better, B vitamins for energy, Ginseng and Liquorice extract for the fatigue. It helped me.
Thanks Federica – I take a multivit most days…don’t really help with the symptoms but they do help me fend off colds etc which is great, as not sure I could handle flu too!
HI JJ – have just emailed you about a very good treatment plan/THE treatment plan for CFS/FMS. Love, a fellow fibro sufferer.