Why Small Acts of Self-Care Matter When You Live With Chronic Pain

As I look at my hands today, I realize I have been neglecting lots of small things I try to include into my daily self-care routine. As a chronic pain patient with fibromyalgia, there isn’t a lot I can do to help my pain, but there are many things that help me cope with life in pain. These are all things I try to include every day to keep me feeling more content and comfortable in my own skin. I realized a while ago now that it’s not about making me “better” to be able to live, but to live with what I have better.

• What is Fibromyalgia?
• What Are Common Fibromyalgia Symptoms?

These little routines consist of moisturizing my hands and anywhere else that needs it, doing my stretches each morning to keep me supple and reduce tension, quiet time every day to rest or think or write, drinking enough water, and getting fresh air whether in my chair or garden or walking.

By the look of my sore hands and dehydration, I see now I’ve let these routines slip and now feel pretty rotten. I am amazed at how small acts of self-love and care keep me feeling brighter and happier in this body, and how by neglecting my routine I am neglecting myself.

Whatever self-care routine you can encourage that helps you to feel better, healthier, and more comfortable, make sure you take the time and effort needed to maintain it. These little signs of love and care can help you to build the understanding that you deserve to be as well as possible. It encourages positive self-worth, which often actually alleviates stress and anxiety and therefore keeps your body calmer and more able to cope.

It’s so easy to get lost in pain, surviving each day and each hour but don’t get so lost you end up sending messages to yourself that you have given up, and that you don’t need comfort and routine. Every person needs a little self-love!