A Guide to Managing Your Stress and Anger with Fibromyalgia

Everyone experiences a wide range of emotions every day. However, some people might have difficulty managing them, especially if they suffer from a chronic illness like fibromyalgia.

Living with a condition like fibromyalgia presents more of a challenge when coping with the normal amount of stress in someone's daily routine. Patients can experience difficulty with both physical and mental tasks, especially when they're dealing with chronic pain, fatigue and insomnia.

In addition to those symptoms, patients aren't usually even aware of the toll their condition takes each day. Symptoms easily affect their energy in completing their set goals and tasks. It's no wonder why patients experience anger and frustration when they have little to no control on what actually affects them.

On the other hand, a fibro patient can take small steps to help manage their emotions. With some time, patience, and help, it is possible to reduce negative thinking which may help maintain relationships.

Here are some recommendations that may help you cope with the anger and stress your illness creates for you: 

• Taking up a hobby
• Counseling from a mental health provider
• Active anger management

By taking a more proactive approach, you can not only manage your condition, but also regain control over your mindset and energy level.

Indoor and Outdoor Exercise

Regular exercise is probably the most effective way to reduce fibro symptoms. It can not only improve your mobility, it can also help with your flexibility. Along with this, physical activity can also help your spirit by decreasing your frustration, caused by the pain and fatigue. But, with exercise, doctors recommend that you start with more gentle routines to avoid too much strain.

When you experience stress and anxiety, exercise can also release endorphins and raise your heart rate, which speeds up blood circulation and increases your oxygen rate. This release will help clear your mind, which also helps promote your physical strength.

One other advantage is the outdoors. A walk through the park or woods can offer you benefits like:

• Better quality of sleep
• Weight management
• Reduction in adverse symptoms related to mental health such as depression and anxiety

If you choose to have a family member or friend join you, then these benefits are more than doubled.