The 29 Things I Put in My Fibromyalgia ‘Cuddle Basket’
This week has been a challenging one — I’ve been physically, emotionally and mentally drained. My pain levels were high, my fatigue severe and I could only focus on my flaws. I lost my ability to smile. Talking to friends really helped me. They listened and offered advice and hugs. (Thank you, I am blessed.)
- What is Fibromyalgia?
- What Are Common Fibromyalgia Symptoms?
It got me thinking — what’s a life with no joy, positivity or self-appreciation? Sometimes we get so lost in our health problems, in pleasing others, money worries, work demands and family and relationship issues, we often forget about those things in life that make us happy. Spending time being good to yourself might help you discover a more positive, peaceful and happy you. It’s important for our health and well-being to take time out to relax. Taking a time out for yourself isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.
Being in constant pain and feeling fatigued is a challenge, and sometimes fibromyalgia fighters need a “cuddle” day/evening/hour. It’s the time you need to retreat from the world, take care of yourself and recharge your batteries until you’re ready to re-emerge and fight again.
A friend of mine, Lyndsey, has chronic back pain. We talked and giggled about what we would put in our chronic pain “cuddle basket.”
I was inspired by our chat, and in preparation for any future much-needed cuddle time, I fetched an unused basket from storage and filled it. Here’s what’s in my overflowing fibromyalgia cuddle basket:
1. Kindle
2. Chocolate
3. Scented candle
4. Comfy blanket
5. Tea tree face mask
6. A good movie
7. Family photos
8. Sanctuary body lotion
9. Lavender pillow mist
10. Coffee
11. Homemade lemon scrub
12. My favorite perfume: Gucci Guilty
13. Art therapy coloring book
14. Comfy PJs
15. Clinique liquid facial soap
16. Homemade foot scrub
17. Sleep balm
18. Homemade soap
19. DVD boxset
20. Sensuous body scrub
21. Microwave wheat bag — my owl
22. Hot chocolate
23. Jellies
24. Thick comfy socks
25. Deep repair for my hair
26. Heating oil treatment for my hair
27. Strawberry and raspberry herbal tea
28. Satsuma body mist
29. Fragrance oils for my aroma diffuser and humidifier
As you can see I’m more than ready for some cuddle time. What would you put in your basket?
Follow this journey on Claire’s Comfy Corner.
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MORE ABOUT FIBROMYALGIA:
Fibromyalgia, a chronic illness with three main symptoms — widespread pain, chronic fatigue and cognitive trouble. Fibromyalgia is a complicated illness that’s not well understood. In the past, it was mischaracterized as a mental health disorder. Even today, some doctors wave off fibro symptoms as being “all in your head.” This isn’t the case. Read The Mighty’s comprehensive guide to fibromyalgia here. Click here to join our fibro community and connect with people who get it.
Claire Collopy’s blog, Claire’s Comfy Corner, is about her life with the central nervous system disorder fibromyalgia. She is trying to raise awareness about this often misunderstood and underfunded chronic pain condition. Her blog is also about positivity. She has been trying new challenges like learning to bake, learning to cook and even making her own gifts like washing powder and soap.
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