Feeling down Fibro friends? Don't worry....

I won't tell you to exercise. Although that might be my first suggestion, it's not always the ONE for the moment. 

Sundays, for some reason, get me down lately. I wish I could explain or understand why. 

So, I'm down right now. Not horribly so, but in a way that makes me feel a bit blue and listless. I don't particularly want to go outside. It's very overcast and in the low 70s and actually quite muggy. Just depressing, in general. 

My solution to the blues can be a couple things. These are suggestions that MAY or MAY NOT work for you. Please feel free to add your own or try one of mine and if it doesn't work, tell me why. 

We are often taken "prisoner" by our symptoms and need to stay in and find ourselves bored and therefore depressed. Here's what I do when I'm feeling that way: 

- Bake something - if you have a stool or chair to sit in if standing is too much, that's a great addition to this plan. Just remember, consider that you're making this for someone else. Sometimes if there's something you are particularly good at, you can reach out and offer it to a friend. This will get you out of your own "mind". Or maybe your family really enjoys something you bake. You don't need a special occasion to make them happy. And if you enjoy baking, just do it!

- Write your feelings in a journal. I have found it amazing to go back to the things I've written and see how much better I'm doing than a couple years ago. So, write down the times you struggle now and you will have a record of how you've improved. Also, it will help to get some of those feelings out. 

- Call a friend. Ask them the questions to get your mind off of your own blues. 

- Do some "light" housework. NOTHING strenuous. I don't want to make you sick or in more pain. Sometimes simply organizing a "drawer" or whatever you've been putting off, can give you a sense of accomplishment. 

- Write down 20 things you're thankful for. If you have a computer, you definitely have at least 20 things in your life to be thankful for. You'll see what I mean when you start writing. Your mood will change too!

- Watch a movie that you love. If you can rent it or get it "on demand" with your TV provider, all the better. 

- Do your nails. Sometimes the simple act of taking care of YOU, will help you. 

- If you feel well enough, take a drive to a nice park. Pray a little. Watch the children play. If you are up to it, get out and take a walk. It will change your "frame of reference" rather than looking at the same 4 walls. 

- Go to a cafe, museum, or some other local establishment where there are other people. Sometimes just being around others helps. (I agree, sometimes it doesn't. You will know what you feel like). 

- Make a list of people you'll need to buy for for Christmas and start thinking up ideas. If you think of things the person has mentioned recently, it will be a great surprise by the time Christmas rolls around and this will relieve that awful last minute pressure so many of us feel. 

- Alternatively, consider doing a "Secret Santa" if funds are low ..either within your family or with a group of friends. That way one person gets one person and they get to pick from a list that person has made. Set a limit, because believe it or not, I think we are ALL feeling the economic pinch right now. 

- Consider making Christmas cards. Work on a design and if you have a bit of extra money, go to your local craft store and price out the supplies, buying only what you can afford in your budget and IN CASH right now. 

These are some of my ideas. I'd love to hear yours.....

Feel free to write them out......

Blessings......

Mo M.