As with any chronic condition, how well we handle the difficulties of fibromyalgia starts and ends completely in our minds. With these following easy and fun practices we can still maintain and even improve our mental and emotional well-being, in spite of fibromyalgia.

1. Shift your focus to positive thoughts. There is a real sense of loss of control with a chronic condition like fibromyalgia, but our thoughts are something we do have control over. See if you can catch yourself in a negative thought loop and be determined to turn it around. Fill your day with as many positive thoughts as possible. Start your day with a gratitude practice. Find a positive thinking website and sign up for daily quotes. Doing a search for positive news websites on-line will provide abundant sources to counteract overexposure to all the negative news stories.

2. Reduce negative influences. Negative thinking creates negative feelings, and negative feelings can cause a fibromyalgia flare. Limit bad news from the media and negative people and opinions that bring you down. If you hear something negative repeat “next” to yourself with the intent of letting it go, and move on. Practice this like a game and notice how it makes your mind feel lighter. Read the rest of this entry »