Mindfulness and Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia self-care strategies can help you manage your fibromyalgia symptoms. In particular, self-care like practicing mindfulness, a soothing breathing technique rooted in Buddhism, can help you deal with the emotional and physical strains caused by your fibromyalgia syndrome.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness can be used in fibromyalgia therapy. It is the act of becoming aware of the moment, and not thinking about your past, or worrying about the future. Mindfulness helps you direct your attention to the present and your surroundings at the moment. It helps you take your mind off stressful issues that may happen in the future and prevents you from thinking of the troubles of yesterday.
Benefits of Mindfulness
When a person spends more and more time living in the present, they can start to overcome their negative fears and thoughts. Since they realize that the mind is continuously filled with internal thoughts. Practicing mindfulness allows a person to see that “thoughts are just thoughts.” It makes them realize they can ignore their negative fears and thoughts that have them stressing over “what if” or “what next” or “why me” questions.
By taking the time to focus on our breathing, we can improve our lives. You don’t have to set time aside in your day to practice mindfulness because according to acclaimed Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hahn you can practice mindfulness in any situation, for example even when you’re washing the dishes. With mindfulness you can identify your thoughts, talk about your fears, and accept and overcome your fears without acting on them.
A few benefits that mindfulness can bring to individuals with fibromyalgia include:
- Creating a sense of calmness
- Reducing stress levels
- Easing muscle stiffness