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.

You might also like to read:

• The influence of weather on fibro - a survey
• Do you allow yourself to ask for support?
• Self care strategies that help me manage pain
• Natural treatments for fibromyalgia

My Travel Essentials: What I Always Pack as Someone Living with Fibromyalgia

Planning a trip is overwhelming for me as someone who lives with chronic pain and ongoing health issues. Forgetting even one small thing can make travel much harder than it needs to be. Over time, I’ve learned what really helps me stay comfortable, safe, and able to enjoy my time away. I recently went on a 5 week trip to Europe and this is what I took. 

The Right Bag Matters

Carrying heavy luggage is tough on my body, so I always choose a lightweight suitcase or backpack with smooth-rolling wheels and strong handles. I also prefer bags with compartments—it saves me energy because I don’t have to dig around looking for things when I’m already tired.

Power and Connectivity

A universal adapter and a power bank are must-haves. When I rely on my phone for medication reminders, maps, or emergency contacts, I can’t afford for the battery to die while I’m out. Having backup power gives me peace of mind. I actually forgot a universal adaptor on my recent holiday and it caused unwanted, unnecessary issues in both Bangkok and Europe, which have different plugs. The hotels did not provide universal adapters and I had to pay for taxis and travel to the shop and buy one before I could use my essential CPAP machine, for sleep apnea or charge my phone. 

Essential Documents

Because unexpected things happen (especially with chronic illness), I make sure all my paperwork is organized:

• Passport & visas (with at least six months validity).

• Travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions—this one is especially important for me.

• A list of emergency contacts, including my doctor’s details, my insurance provider, and a family member at home.

• A list of my medications from the doctor in case customs query any tablets.

• Copies of my prescriptions. (My husband has twice now left meds in hotel bathrooms, which has had dire consequences.)

• A letter from my doctor stating that the CPAP machine is an essential medical device. This is so it can be carried as extra hand luggage on top of the air lines hand luggage requirements. 

Health & Medication Kit

This is my most important packing category. I travel with:

• My daily prescriptions and vitamins (kept in original bottles).

• Pain relief options (both medication and comfort items, like heat patches).

• Allergy tablets medication.

• A small first aid kit and hand sanitizer.

• 2 pairs of my prescription glasses. On one holiday I learnt my lesson when my glasses broke and I could not get them fixed and struggled with reading for the rest of the journey. 

• Sunglasses and hat are essential when you do not cope well with glare and bright sun.

• Sunscreen. This was so expensive in Europe I was so glad I remembered to pack my favourite face one which I also used on my body. 

I pack these in my carry-on so they’re always with me. I’ve learned to bring more medication than I think I’ll need—delays happen, and I can’t risk running out.

Clothing That Works for My Body

Comfort is key when you live with pain or fatigue. I pack layers that are easy to slip on and off depending on the weather, breathable fabrics that don’t irritate my skin, or need much ironing and clothes that won’t dig in if I’m sitting for long stretches.

Supportive, cushioned shoes are also non-negotiable. I need footwear that’s kind to my joints, especially if I’m walking more than usual. I usual travel with 2 pairs of joggers and a pair of slip on thongs for beach/pool/sauna. 

I travel light and have reduced my clothing down to 3 t-shirts, 1 dressier blouse, 3 pants, 1 swimming costume and matching sarong, 1dress, and alight weight long sleeve shirt. If there is colder weather I add a heat tech singlet and a puffer jacket and scarf. I stick to one color scheme so that all the clothes mix and match. 

Staying Organized Without Wasting Energy

Packing cubes and travel organizers help me save precious energy. Knowing exactly where my medications, documents, and comfort items are means I don’t waste time rummaging through my bag when I’m already drained. That is so frustrating!

Safety & Security

I carry a money belt so I can keep my passport, cards, and cash close without adding stress about theft. Two of the hotels we stayed in did not have a safe and Air BNB's usually never have a safe. TSA-approved locks on my luggage also make me feel more secure when I can’t keep an eye on my bag.

Comfort & Rest

Because chronic pain often flares when I don’t sleep well, I always pack:

• A sleep mask and earplugs to help me rest on planes or in noisy hotels. I have finally found re-shapeable wax ear plugs that are comfortable.

• A lightweight travel pillow so I can support my neck and back on long journeys.

• Heating strips —for pain relief on the go. I am happy with the non smelly ones recommended by my doctor. 

Hydration & Snacks

Staying hydrated and eating regularly helps me manage energy crashes. I always carry a reusable water bottle and a few healthy snacks (nuts, dried fruit, or muesli bars, protein bars) that don’t need refrigeration. That way, I don’t have to rely on whatever’s available when fatigue hits.

---

Travel Essentials Checklist (Chronic Illness & Chronic Pain Edition)

🧳 Luggage & Organization

• Lightweight suitcase or backpack with sturdy wheels/handles

• Packing cubes or travel organizers (save energy and time)

• TSA-approved luggage locks

• Money belt for passport, cards, and cash

🔌 Power & Tech

• Universal adapter (for international trips)

• Power bank/portable charger

• Charging cables in carry-on

📄 Important Documents

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months)

• Visas (if required)

• Travel insurance with pre-existing condition cover

• Copies of prescriptions (paper + digital)

• Emergency contacts: doctor, embassy, insurer, trusted family/friend

• Copies of all documents stored in a safe, separate spot

💊 Medications & Health Supplies

• All prescription medications (in original packaging)

• Extra supply in case of delays

• Pain relief (medication, heat/cold patches, TENS unit if helpful)

• Allergy tablets, motion sickness tablets

• Small first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, etc.)

• Hand sanitizer or wipes

• Sunscreen 

👕 Clothing & Footwear

• Weather-appropriate clothing (layering options are best)

• Soft, breathable fabrics that don’t irritate skin

• Comfortable walking shoes with cushioning and support

• sunglasses and hat

• 2 pairs of prescription glasses

😴 Comfort & Rest

• Neck pillow for flights/bus rides

• Sleep mask + earplugs (for noisy/light environments)

• Any small comfort aid (wrap, cushion, or heating pad if space allows)

🥤 Food & Hydration

• Reusable water bottle (stainless steel if possible)

• Healthy snacks: nuts, dried fruit, protein bars, crackers

• Electrolyte packets or rehydration sachets (helpful during flare-ups or fatigue)

📚 Entertainment & Mental Ease

• E-reader or small paperback book

• Downloaded music, podcasts, or audiobooks for downtime

• Journal or notebook (optional but grounding)

---

Tip: Keep medications, documents, and comfort items in your carry-on so they’re always accessible.

Tip: Pack more meds and supplies than you think you’ll need—you can’t always get refills easily abroad.

Tip: Build in extra rest time in your travel schedule to avoid flare-ups.

5 best things to help with fibromyalgia symptoms (according to those living with it.)

 

Here are 5 of the most commonly recommended things to help manage fibromyalgia symptoms, based on feedback from people living with the condition, personal blogs, and fibro-focused communities:

---

1. 💤 Pacing & Resting Without Guilt

“Learning to stop before you crash was a game changer.”

• Pacing involves balancing activity and rest to avoid flare-ups (also known as the push-crash cycle).

• Many people track energy levels and schedule rest breaks throughout the day—even during “good days.”

---

2. 🧘‍♀️ Gentle Movement (Yoga, Stretching, Walking)

“If I don’t move, I stiffen up. If I overdo it, I crash. It’s a weird balance.”

• Regular low-impact movement is often reported to reduce stiffness, improve mood, and even help sleep.

• Popular choices include:

  • Restorative or chair yoga

  • Short daily walks

  • Tai chi 

  • Hydrotherapy or gentle aqua aerobics

---

3. 🌿 Heat Therapy & Comfort Measures

“Heat packs are my lifeline—especially for my back and shoulders.”

• Common go-tos: microwavable heat packs, heated blankets, hot showers, or Epsom salt baths.

• Many find heat soothing for muscles and helpful in getting to sleep or easing flare-up days.

---

4. 🍽️ Anti-Inflammatory Diet & Supplements

“I noticed a huge difference when I cut out sugar and gluten.”

• Some people with fibromyalgia feel better when they focus on whole foods, reduce processed foods, or cut inflammatory triggers.

• Common diet tweaks:

  • Mediterranean or “clean eating” approach

  • Limiting gluten, dairy, sugar, or caffeine

  • Adding foods like oily fish, berries, turmeric, leafy greens

• Popular supplements (after speaking with a doctor): magnesium, vitamin D, omega-3s, CoQ10, and B vitamins. You can get my recommended brands here

---

5. 🤝 Support & Mental Health Care

“Having someone believe me made all the difference.”

• Emotional support helps people cope with the isolation, unpredictability, and grief fibromyalgia can bring.

• What helps:

  • Online fibro support groups or communities 

  • Talking therapy, CBT, or mindfulness

  • Supportive friends, family, or partners who listen and validate

---

💬 Bonus Voices from the Community:

• “I keep a ‘flare kit’—with my meds, heat pack, compression gloves, and a distraction like audiobooks.”

• “Tracking symptoms helped me connect the dots between food, sleep, and pain.”

• “No one fix works every day. It’s like a toolbox. You grab what helps most that day.”

There are a few links to Amazon products in this article. I am an affiliate and have a Fibro Store which means I do earn a small percentage if you purchase any of these product. (Just so you know).

Fibromyalgia Self-Management Checklist

 

Here is a Fibromyalgia Self-Management Checklist — designed to help you build daily habits, track symptoms, and take back a sense of control.

---

✅ Fibromyalgia Self-Management Checklist

Use this weekly or daily to help pace, manage symptoms, and track what’s working for you.

---

🌞 Daily Basics

Task	Done?
Got at least 7–9 hours of sleep (or tried to)	☐
Took medications/supplements as prescribed	☐
Did gentle movement (stretching, walking, yoga)	☐
Ate regular, balanced meals	☐
Stayed hydrated (6–8 glasses water)	☐
Took breaks/rested when needed (pacing)	☐
Practiced relaxation (meditation, deep breathing, music)	☐
Avoided overexertion (“push-crash” cycle)	☐

📒 Symptom & Trigger Tracker

Symptom	None	Mild	Moderate	Severe
Pain	☐	☐	☐	☐
Fatigue	☐	☐	☐	☐
Brain fog	☐	☐	☐	☐
Mood (anxiety, sadness)	☐	☐	☐	☐
Sleep quality	☐ Poor	☐ Fair	☐ Good	☐ Excellent

Triggers Noted Today (check any):
☐ Weather change ☐ Stress ☐ Overactivity ☐ Poor sleep
☐ Food sensitivity ☐ Emotional strain ☐ Unknown

---

🧰 Relief Strategies Used Today

Strategy	Helped?
Topical pain relief (e.g., Tiger Balm)	☐ Yes ☐ No
Heat/cold packs	☐ Yes ☐ No
Gentle stretching	☐ Yes ☐ No
Mindfulness/meditation	☐ Yes ☐ No
Short rest/nap	☐ Yes ☐ No
Light activity to stay loose	☐ Yes ☐ No
CBT or journaling	☐ Yes ☐ No

---

💬 Notes / Wins / Challenges

(Write 1–2 short reflections each day or week)

• Today I felt:

• What helped most:

• What was hardest:

• Something I’m proud of:

---

❤️ Weekly Self-Check

Question	Yes / No
Did I listen to my body without guilt?	☐ Yes ☐ No
Did I ask for help when I needed it?	☐ Yes ☐ No
Did I say "no" to protect my energy?	☐ Yes ☐ No
Did I find something small that brought joy?	☐ Yes ☐ No

Free Pain Clinics in Australia

I am slowly adding information here about Pain Clinics around Australia that can help with Fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions. 

As you probably know Fibro is a condition that we are often told requires a multidiscilinary approach and this is what these clinics offer.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

The Living Well with Persistent Pain program is offered to patients at no cost, and utilises local primary health care workforce to support patients in their pain management in the community. It provides a holistic self-management course, case coordination, group sessions and one-on-one allied health services.

Northern region — Living well and persistent pain program

Telephone: (08) 8354 9800
Email: painprogramnorth@adelaidephn.com.au

Central western region — Living well with persistent pain program

Telephone: 0450 539 733
Email: painprogramwest@adelaidephn.com.au

Services:

• Individual support services
• Group pain management programs.

Staff:

• GPs
• physiotherapists
• dieticians
• pharmacists
• pain educators
• psychologists.
• exercise physiologist.

Public hospital services

Central Adelaide Local Health Network Pain Management Unit

Address: Level 2B North-East Building, Queen Elizabeth Hospital 28 Woodville Road, Woodville South SA 5011
Telephone: (08) 8222 7826
Email: calhnpainunit@sa.gov.au

Southern Adelaide Local Health Network Pain Management Unit

Address: Flinders Drive, Bedford Park SA 5042
Telephone: (08) 8204 5499
Email: fmcpmu@sa.gov.au

Northern Adelaide Local Health Network Pain Rehabilitation Service

Address: C/- the Specialist Ambulatory Rehabilitation Centre, Cnr Smart Road and Hatheleigh Ave Modbury 5092
Telephone: (08) 7321 4133
Email: health.NorthernPainRehabService@sa.gov.au

Women’s and Children’s Hospital Paediatric Chronic Pain Service

Address: Level 1 General Outpatient Clinic, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, 72 King William Street North Adelaide 5006
Telephone: 0481 900 577
Email: Health.PaediatricChronicPainService@sa.gov.au

ONLINE COURSES  AUSTRALIA WIDE

Chronic Conditions Course is a new free, 8 week, online and internet-delivered education program, run through eCentreClinic, Macquarie University. It is designed to provide good information and teach practical skills for managing the impact of chronic health conditions on day-to-day activities and emotional wellbeing. Register here 

The MindSpot Chronic Pain Course is five lessons over an eight-week period. It provides the information and practical skills you would normally receive from a mental health professional if you attended a specialist pain management clinic. You can choose to receive weekly therapist support during the course, or you can choose to contact us when you need to. Do the assessment to enrol here.

My doctor dilemma when living with chronic illness

Something that has been coming up for me recently has been why my GP does not give me the support that I need. Here I am exploring my feelings about it as I believe it may be something that helps other people living with chronic illness. 

Chronic Illness - the painful facts

So what do you want me to say?
That I am good now? all good, everything good?
That I got a diagnosis and now I am magically fixed?
Not many illnesses are like that are they?
Well I know chronic illnesses and pain illnesses and autoimmune illnesses are not.
Let's just take autoimmune conditions for a moment. The current view is that there are 100 conditions and 40 suspect ones and I cannot think of one that has a cure. They are life long conditions that need life long treatment and have a huge impact on the lives of those with them and those closest to them.

Fibromyalgia - that's the same.

Osteoarthritis  - that's the same.

The American Chronic Pain Association site lists over 60 conditions on their A to Z page and they are mostly all the same. No cure.

Chronic disease: A disease that persists for a long time. A chronic disease is one lasting 3 months or more, by the definition of the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics. Chronic diseases generally cannot be prevented by vaccines or cured by medication, nor do they just disappear. 

MedicineNet

So where did this idea come from that we get a diagnosis and then we are cured? It's a mystery to me and one that I may need to investigate some time in the future but right now I am paddling my feet under water like a duck so that I can look this amazing. I am paddling so madly that it takes all my efforts.

And you look so good... I hear you say.

Well truth be told I have a whole bag of tricks that I carry with me, everywhere, that help me every single day. I have collected the contents of this bag over 20 years of living with chronic pain.

Pain is the most common reason that people seek medical help—yet it remains one of the most neglected and misunderstood areas of healthcare. PAIN AUSTRALIA

Most people don't realize how little their doctor knows about chronic pain. It’s up to the individual with pain to learn as much as they can about effective treatments and how pain affects them, so they can improve their quality of life.

Chronic pain affects more than your body. It's psychologically stressful and can lead to emotions like anger and frustration which is probably why I started this post in that tone.

If your interested in finding out about the contents of my metaphorical bag of tricks for coping with the chronic life you can sign up for my newsletter. I include tips and advice from experts and people living with chronic pain, mostly evidence-based treatment and ideas that I have garnered over the years. I send it out usually once a week.

My Wish (Self Love for beginners)

Today's post is by Fibro advocate Sharna Stewart

           

          If I could wish you anything besides good health it would be the ability to love your true authentic self. I wish this for my beautiful niece and all the other readers out there, disabled, abled, chronically ill and everyone else who falls in the majority or minorities of humanity.

          My advice being, not to wait the 34 years and counting, it has taken me to even mutter the phrase ‘self love’. I understand this is no easy wish I’m bestowing on you, but I have to believe that your generation will commence life with a full and healthy dose of self esteem that’s resilient to the bumps and hurdles that happen along the way. A good cup of worthiness, affection, trust and love for yourself, no matter the roads in which you choose to follow. An acceptance that allows you to forgive the multitude of 3am anxiety attacks that see you in tears on the bedroom floor or the number of times you have beaten yourself up for being sick, unreliable, disappointing, boring, a burden and most importantly an overall ‘drain’ on the multidisciplinary healthcare system. 

          In conclusion, try to learn to see yourself through your loved ones eyes and open yours to the incredible real ‘you’, the kind, loving, generous, bubbly, wholesome girl you are and will grow to be. Don’t give in to the deceitful chatter that creeps in when things don’t go as planned, know your self worth and always love you, unconditionally.
...............................................................................

About Sharna Stewart

Sharna is an advocate for Fibromyalgia Awareness. She has had fibromyalgia and CFS for 5 1/2 years.
You can connect with her through her twitter account.

She would like to connect with anyone suffering from fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (ME), Gastroparesis, Tachycardia and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. 

She wants to share her knowledge of mental health related issues and the latest treatments for pain management, including but not limited to ketamine, CBT, infrared saunas, float tanks and GET.  

Fibromyalgia & weight gain resources

While weight gain, or the inability to lose weight, is not painful it is such a frustrating symptom in an already over flowing list of symptoms that make up Fibro. Weight gain is a common problem for those of us with fibromyalgia. It can be frustrating and challenging to manage, but there are steps you can take to address it.

I personally struggle with this and have been searching for helpful information. These are some of the sites (and 1 book) with interesting information about fibromyalgia and weight gain and their solution to this frustrating problem. I hope you find something that helps you.

Fibromyalgia and Weight Gain at Health Central. Lack of Sleep, Neuroendocrine Abnormalities, Decreased Activity, Medication and Weight-loss Strategies. 

Fibromyalgia and Weight Gain at Fibromyalgia Symptoms - fatigue and diet and exercise.

Foods that Fight Fibromyalgia: Nutrient-Packed Meals That Increase Energy, Ease Pain, and Move You Towards Recovery by Deirdre Rawlings. 

In addition to exercise and diet, managing stress levels is crucial for individuals with fibromyalgia. Stress can impact hormone levels and lead to weight gain. Finding effective stress-management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in hobbies can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

It's important to remember that weight gain with fibromyalgia is a complex issue that can vary from person to person. I hoe you have a good healthcare provider who will discuss any concerns or questions you may have about fibromyalgia and weight gain. They may be able to provide personalized recommendations and guidance based on your specific needs and medical history or send you to a specialist who can. As an example I have been sent to a dietician who discovered I have food intolerances and an endocrinologist for my thyroid issues which are also connected to weight gain. 

See my more personal story on weight gain with Fibromyalgia and how it makes me feel here. 

Fibromyalgia assessment

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome, with many symptoms - sleep disturbances, fatigue, cognitive disorders, stiffness, numbness, tingling, exercise intolerance, dizziness and the list of fibro symptoms goes on... but the main symptom is widespread muscle pain. These symptoms are seen in many conditions, making fibromyalgia a difficult diagnosis. 

There is a questionaire for people with or without a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia and is monitored by a doctor. You simply tick which symptoms you have and then receive free personalized information to get more tips for dealing with your symptoms.

Answer a few quick questions, and you'll get:

• Information about fibromyalgia for those who haven't been diagnosed
• Treatment options that best fit your symptoms
• Tips to help you cope with your symptoms and improve your life

My personalized results, after doing the assessment, included Medication suggestions and other helpful ideas for improving my quality of life. The bonus for me was that I did not have to give my email address and they were not selling anything.

Get your own Fibromyalgia assessment at Web MD (which I consider a very reliable site).

Did you know there was a Fibromyalgia Assessment? Let me know in the comments below...

DIMENSIONS OF WELLNESS

Wellness isn’t a destination—it’s a dynamic process. And for those of us living with chronic illness, neurodivergence, or relational stress, it can feel like a moving target. But exploring the eight dimensions of wellness can offer a more compassionate, holistic way to check in with ourselves.

Have you heard of the eight dimensions of wellness? Here you can find a summary of what they are...

Wellness, or our sense of well - being, is all about how we feel about life and how we function.

It is not just about our health or lack of it.

Wellness involves many dimensions that make up the whole person. 

There are eight areas that influence our ability to function at a healthy level: 

1. Physical Wellness — a lack of illness and/or disability and the role you take in maintaining your body for strength, vitality and energy.

2. Emotional Wellness — an ability to cope and manage stress and being at peace with who you are.

3. Intellectual Wellness — the ability to think, reason and remember and staying open to new ideas.

4. Social Wellness — the ability to connect with a support system of family and friends or the wider community.

5. Occupational Wellness — the ability to contribute, use your own skills and abilities.

6. Spiritual Wellness — understanding of your place and purpose, having a sense of purpose and meaning beyond self. 

7. Environmental Wellness — feeling safe at home and around your area and the impact you have on the planet and the planet has on you.

8. Financial Wellness — having sufficient money to meet your basic needs. 


So I am off to think about each of these eight areas, to see if I have a balance in the aspects of wellness? To decide where are things going well and where they need improvement?
Besides physical wellness, which is a given area anyone with fibromyalgia would like to improve, where else would you like to see change?

As I reflect on these eight areas, I’m noticing not just what needs support—but also what’s already holding me up. What’s one dimension you feel proud of, about yourself, today?


The 8 petalled paris japonica

FURTHER READING: Why Do We Get Sick? Why Do We Get Better? A Wellness Detective Manual

This post is linked up at Fibro Friday week 9 where you can check out great fibro bloggers.

Do you allow yourself to ask for support?

This post explores the emotional and psychological barriers many people face when it comes to seeking help. It reflects on feelings can prevent us from asking for the support we genuinely need.

Let’s face it, there are moments, days, weeks even when we are in need of support and simply don’t ask. Something gets in our way – pride, fear, avoidance – so we suffer and struggle through on our own, likely prolonging our misery. And then to complicate our misery even more we grumble to ourselves and complain that no one understands, no one cares. Sound familiar?

I know for myself, one of the hardest things in this world for me to do is to ask for help. And yet I still wonder and get frustrated when I feel I am misunderstood.

It is a vicious little circle that I create for myself. I start with “Nothing to see here. No, I don’t need help, I am fine, I can manage this all on my own.” And then immediately jump to “Am I invisible? Can’t you see how I am suffering? You must not know me at all if you cannot see I am in need here.” Thus creating the perfect Lose/Lose scenario. No one wins, least of all me.

There IS Comfort Found in Asking for Support

Breaking the Cycle

I see this cycle repeated often in my yoga classes. As a new teacher I learn more and more each day to listen to the silent language of body cues. Especially in my Restorative Yoga classes where students hold poses for long periods of time. I always state a few times for emphasis that I am their guide, but their body is their teacher, and if a posture doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. And if your body is signaling you that it wants to move, move. And if you feel like you need more props to support you, just signal me and I will bring them to you. Then we begin our practice, and it happens almost every time – I can see someone is uncomfortable and rather than do what is needed to find comfort, they try to struggle through it. 

In yoga we always encourage finding the fine line between effort and ease and resting there. Rest is especially emphasized in Restorative Yoga – maximum benefits with minimal effort. So I allow each student the time to find their line before checking in with them. But if I see painful winces, and scrunched up noses, I immediately approach my students to support them in finding the right posture for their needs. Once their needs have been met, whether it is a change in how they are laying, or an extra prop for comfort, they let out a deep breath and relax into the posture. Often it takes persistence on my part for the student to accept the support I am trying to give them.

Even Yogis Have a Hard Time Asking for Help

They don’t want to bring attention to their discomfort – Don’t come over here and bring attention to me. Let’s just get through this.  

They don’t want to be a nuisance – I’m fine, I’m fine. I don’t need anything. Nothing to see here.

They don’t want to stand out or be different – Why can everyone else do it but not me? Everyone else is relaxing into it, why can’t I?

They think it is a matter of right or wrong – If I can’t do it there must be something wrong with me. Everyone else is doing it just fine. What’s wrong with me? Maybe I don’t belong here.

They think I don’t understand – No one understands this pain I am in. There is no point trying to explain it because you just won’t get it.

They think a certain amount of pain is normal and acceptable – I have had this pain in my hip forever. It always hurts and I just live with it. It is what it is.

It is easy for me to get into my student’s heads and understand the inner dialog, because that was me, not too long ago. If I cannot ask for help in my life, dealing every day with the unpredictable nature of chronic illness, how can I ever be expected to ask for help in a yoga class? The first step is in getting out of my head (see inner dialogue above) and opening myself up to the possibility that asking for and allowing support brings.

Taking the First Step

Like any other attitude or skill we want to develop, it starts with practice. Learning to ask for help – and then allowing that help into our lives (another skill altogether worthy of its own blog post) – is something we need to work at. And like everything else we take on, I say start small – baby steps. What is one thing you can ask for support with today? Don’t wait until tomorrow. Look at today. Pick something small. Ease yourself into it.

I can hear many of you protesting – again, inner dialog I understand because I have had the same conversations in my head many times – and I know you all have valid reasons for your protests. Primarily they are based in fear. I am encouraging you to be bold in the face of fear. What would it mean for your life if you asked for and received support when you need it? What would that make possible for you? A little comfort maybe? A little ease? Is that something you want more of in your life? If so, don’t be afraid to ask.

What does support look like to you? Please share in the comments.

This article was first published at Fibro Haven

Shared at Fibro Friday link up where you will find lots of other personal stories about Fibromyalgia.