Having a chronic illness can be very frustrating. When you suffer from an invisible illness like Fibromyalgia you deal with not only the pain but frustration.
Frustration keeps you negative. The thing about Fibro is that you are constantly working on what causes your flare ups. One day it could be the weather; the next day it could be something you eat. It is an illness that nobody can tell you what will trigger the flare up.
Frustration can take over so easily because when you live each day not knowing if what you eat or what you do will cause you pain you can easily fall into the trap of being negative.
Living positive means that I must make sure that I do not get frustrated. Is this easy? No, it is not. Frustration is something that is natural, and we all feel. A feeling is not always something that is easy to control.
When I feel myself getting just a little frustrated, I tell myself to STOP AND TAKE A BREATH. Sounds silly, and you may not think it works, but you won’t know if it works if you don’t try. So, stop right now and take a deep breath then exhale. If you must do this a few times, that is fine. Just taking those small relaxing breaths will immediately relieve that bit of frustration you are starting to feel brewing.
Staying positive helps you to stay focused and taking those relaxing breaths will become second nature to you.
When I stop and take care of myself so that I can stay positive, I am helping myself to relax and get my focus back. If I allow myself to get frustrated, then that would trigger several points on my body where Fibro sits and flares up. When you start getting frustrated, you tense up, causing those muscles and joints to stiffen. Your neck begins to feel stiff and hurt; your shoulders tense up, and you feel the tension in your head.
Taking the time to take care of you is the most important thing you can do for yourself. These are such small and simple things that do not cost anything but a second of your time. The second you spend putting yourself first and learn how to control the frustration before you become negative is the second that you are taking control of your life.
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