Fibromyalgia And The Holidays

There is nothing better and yet more exhausting than the holidays when you have FMS.

What I am learning….

Tasks as the hostess:

Clean up before and after- for days
Prepare tables, table coverings
Shop for necessities
Look presentable for pictures
Honor traditions

Help wanted & needed

Be your own advocate
Share the work and make it pot luck
Share with those closest about limitations caused by FMS – and recruit help from extended family and friends

And still…….. exhaustion sets in. Conversations become white noise. Brain fog descends. Early shower and early to bed becomes the norm. Exhaustion last a day or several days.

I should learn to

Pace myself
Rest – every spare second, store up energy
Limit traditional food/drinks, especially foods that cause inflammation. Eat less of the “bad” favourites- like mom’s caramel brownies, refined sugar, fried foods or foods high in fat. Eat more fruits, nuts, vegetables.. Note: do not deprive yourself.
Not engage with drama
After the big event, take some time off. Leave off the guilt
Take assessments – what went right, what could use improvement, what went wrong
Remember- perfection is not required
Attend parties and functions, or not!! Be your own judge
Not everything has to be done RIGHT now
Not everything has to be done MY way