Tips for tough Days

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Tips on Tough Days

Employment, overall, is a very difficult and emotional issue. After a

day on the job, most FM patients who work full time say they have

little to no energy for other activities. Patients who learn to

accept their limitations, alter or downsize their lifestyle, and

maintain a positive attitude seem to report the most success.

" I no longer sweat the small stuff, " said a full-time employee. " I

don't know why I used to worry about what other people thought. I'm

not going to let the job or anyone take away my joy. If I'm in pain,

I get up and move around more. "

" I have totally simplified my schedule. I work, eat, and I'm in bed

at 9 p.m. " said another employee. " This year I purchased a timer that

fits in my pocket. It can be set to vibrate at various intervals. The

vibration was to remind me to laugh. During the day, when the timer

vibrated, I visualized my granddaughter laughing. In the beginning I

made myself laugh out loud. Over time, the vibration caused immediate

laughter. What a release and positive perspective this has made one

day at a time. "

" I have managed to maintain work as a nursing instructor two to four

days a week, " said another. " I like to stay busy and work at having

an upbeat attitude. " This former full-time nurse says once she found

a routine that works, she stuck with it. " Proper hydration, eating

meals on time, hot or cold packs, whatever it takes. I love what I do

and found a way to do it. "

Employed as an elementary school bilingual teacher for nearly 20

years, one Member started a small translating business at home.

Another teacher now tutors children with learning disabilities. " I

have given up administration and teaching special education to be a

part-time art teacher and artist. I also homeschool my children. This

gives me a lot of control over my schedule, and that helps. "

A former accountant who is now a part-time realtor said she starts

her days in the afternoons. " I set out later in the morning due to

fibro. I balance my schedule with plenty of sleep. When I know I will

be really busy, I plan easier and lighter activities the next few

days. "

One woman who specializes in sewing and alterations, makes the best

of each day even if it is on a limited basis. " Because I work from

home, I make sure I only work four hours at a time, a couple of days

a week, no more. I play relaxing music while I work and I take

frequent breaks to move around or stretch. "

" I am very capable and able for about three to four hours a day. In

fact, I feel like I can run the world. I tell my husband that I can

be very amazing. And then there are those other hours that are

totally unpredictable. I know that I need a lot of flexibility in my

schedule and have to learn how to maximize these & #8219;small batteries'

and get more bang for the buck. "