Fibromyalgia Self-Care Strategies That Help Me Manage Pain

Living with fibromyalgia has taught me to listen to my body in ways I never expected. Pain isn’t just physical — it’s emotional, relational, and deeply personal. Over time, I’ve gathered a toolkit of self-care strategies that help me feel more grounded, less overwhelmed, and more in control of my day. These aren’t cures, and they don’t erase the hard days, but they help me move through them with a little more grace.

If you’re navigating fibromyalgia too, I hope something here resonates with you.

1. Pacing Over Pushing

I used to push myself through pain, thinking I had to keep up or prove something. Now I pace. I break tasks into smaller steps, rest before I crash, and let go of guilt when I need to pause. 

TIP: use timers and visual checklists to stay on track without burning out. It’s not laziness — it’s wisdom.

2. Gentle Movement That Feels Safe

Some days, even stretching feels impossible. But when I can, gentle movement helps loosen the stiffness and calm my nervous system. I’ve found comfort in slow walks, restorative yoga, and even just swaying to music in my kitchen. I keep a “flare day movement menu” — short, low-impact options that feel doable when everything hurts. 

TIP: start stretching each morning while lying in bed. The mattress and pillow supports you and you can do slow and small movements like turning your head from side to side to reduce neck pain etc.

3. Protecting My Sleep

Sleep is sacred, and fibromyalgia makes it elusive. I’ve created a bedtime routine that helps: no screens after 9pm, herbal tea, magnesium, and painkillers if needed. It’s not perfect, but it’s progress.

TIP: The temperature of your room really matters. Work out what is right for you in each season. 

4. Calming My Nervous System

Mind-body practices have been a lifeline. I use guided meditations (especially ones made for chronic pain), breathwork, and journaling to help me process the emotional weight of living with fibromyalgia. Even two minutes of deep breathing can shift my pain response. I remind myself: my body is not the enemy — it’s asking for care.

TIP: Find an app or a Youtube video you like and listen to it for guided meditations or breathwork. 

5. Nourishing Myself Without Pressure

Food can be complicated, especially when energy is low and sensitivities are high. I aim for anti-inflammatory meals when I can — leafy greens, berries, omega-3s — but I also give myself grace. Hydration helps, and I keep easy snacks nearby for days when cooking feels impossible.

TIP: Greek yoghurt, nuts and fruit is a great easy go to on high pain days. 

6. Tracking What Hurts (and What Helps)

I keep a simple pain journal to notice patterns. Weather changes, stress, certain foods — they all play a role. Tracking helps me feel less confused and more empowered. It also gives me language to advocate for myself with doctors and loved ones.

TIP: Do this in your calendar so you know where it is. 

7. Finding My People

Fibromyalgia can feel isolating, but connection is medicine. I’ve found comfort in online communities, support groups, and honest conversations with people who get it. Sharing my story — and hearing others — reminds me I’m not alone. We’re all figuring this out together.

8. Setting Boundaries That Protect Me

This one’s been hard, but life-changing. I’ve learned to say no without apology, to ask for accommodations, and to protect my energy like it’s sacred. Scripts help. My favorite: “I’d love to, but I need to rest today.” Boundaries aren’t walls — they’re bridges to safer, more honest relationships.

TIP: Don't say yes to every request, say "I'll check my diary and get back to you".

Final Thoughts

Fibromyalgia asks us to live gently, intentionally, and with deep self-compassion. These strategies help me feel more like myself — even on the hard days. If you’re reading this, I hope you know: your pain is real, your needs are valid, and you deserve care that honors your whole self.

If you’ve found a self-care practice that helps, I’d love to hear about it. Let’s keep building a toolkit.

IMC-1 Fast-Tracked for Fibromyalgia: What You Need to Know

In January 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Fast Track designation to IMC-1, a novel combination therapy developed by Innovative Med Concepts for the treatment of fibromyalgia. This designation was based on promising Phase 2 trial results and the urgent need for more effective treatments for this complex, chronic condition.

IMC-1 combines:

• Famciclovir – an antiviral agent

• Celecoxib – a COX-2 selective anti-inflammatory

The therapy is designed to suppress tissue-resident herpes viruses, which may play a role in sustaining fibromyalgia symptoms. 

Some researchers—most notably Dr. Skip Pridgen—have proposed that herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) may play a role in fibromyalgia by affecting the central nervous system or gut tissue.

The Phase 2 trial (PRID-201) showed improvements in pain, fatigue, and overall symptom burden, leading to the FDA’s decision to fast-track its development.

As of 2023, Virios Therapeutics (now leading the development) received initial FDA feedback on its proposed Phase 3 program, with further toxicology data submitted in May 2023. This marks a continued effort to bring IMC-1 closer to approval and offer new hope to millions living with fibromyalgia.

As of September 2025, IMC-1 is not yet commercially available for fibromyalgia treatment. It remains in the clinical trial pipeline, with ongoing development led by Virios Therapeutics.

What to Expect:

If Phase 3 trials confirm safety and efficacy, IMC-1 could move toward FDA approval and availability—but this process typically takes several years. For now, it’s considered an investigational drug, not something patients can access outside of clinical trials.

Final Thoughts:

So, while the HSV-1 theory is intriguing and worth watching, fibromyalgia remains a diagnosis based on clinical criteria, not viral testing. I am definitely watching but think that this new drug therapy may help a percentage of people with Fibromyalgia but not all. Patients deserve evidence-based care that reflects the full spectrum of their symptoms.

Practical Tips for Weather Sensitivity when living with Fibromyalgia

 Some days, it feels like my body is more attuned to the weather than the forecast itself. A storm rolls in, and suddenly my joints ache, my energy dips, and even my vision feels foggy. 

Living with fibromyalgia means learning to read the sky like a second language—because the weather doesn’t just change the atmosphere, it changes me. 

Over time, I’ve gathered a few practical strategies that help soften the impact. They’re not cures, but they offer a bit of steadiness when everything else feels unpredictable.

Practical Tips: Coping with Weather Sensitivity

• Layered clothing for temperature shifts

• Dehumidifiers or fans during humid spells

• Warm baths or heated blankets in cold weather

• Gentle movement indoors when outdoor conditions flare symptoms

• Tracking symptoms in a journal alongside weather patterns

• Eye protection in wind or bright light: Sunglasses or wraparound glasses can reduce sensory overload.

• Hydration reminders: Weather extremes can dehydrate you faster—setting gentle reminders to sip water may help.

• Weighted blankets for grounding: Especially during barometric shifts, some find comfort in the steady pressure.

• Mindful pacing: On flare-prone days, plan for extra rest and reduce sensory input where possible.

Frequently Asked Questions about Weather & Fibro

Can barometric pressure really affect pain? Some people report increased pain when pressure drops before a storm. While science hasn’t confirmed this universally, anecdotal evidence is strong.

Is it worse in winter or summer? It varies. Some feel worse in cold, damp conditions; others struggle with heat and humidity. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

Should I move to a different climate? Relocation is a big decision. Some people find relief in milder climates, but others don’t notice much change. It’s worth trialing before committing.

How can I track weather-related flares? Try using a symptom tracker app or a simple journal. Note pain, fatigue, mood, and weather conditions daily for a few weeks.

If you’re weather-sensitive too, I just want to say: you’re not imagining it, and you’re not alone. It’s okay to adapt, to rest, to wrap yourself in warmth or retreat from the heat. These small acts of care are not weakness—they’re wisdom. Fibromyalgia asks a lot of us, but we keep showing up, adjusting, and listening to our bodies with quiet courage. I hope these tips offer a little comfort, and maybe even a sense of solidarity. You deserve that.