I've always had a complicated relationship with yoga. On one hand, I know it can be beneficial - the gentle stretching, the mindfulness, the promise of reduced pain and increased flexibility. On the other hand, my fibromyalgia and arthritis seemed to conspire against me every time I tried to join a class. During lockdown, I … Continue reading Finding My Way Back to Yoga: In Praise of Chair Yoga for Chronic Pain
Can Fibromyalgia Cause Skin Problems? My Personal Experience
When we talk about fibromyalgia, we typically focus on the widespread pain, the fatigue, the brain fog. But there's another aspect of this condition that's often overlooked - the way it can completely transform your relationship with your skin. Looking back now, I realise that some of my earliest warning signs weren't the aches and … Continue reading Can Fibromyalgia Cause Skin Problems? My Personal Experience
Embracing the Light: Summer Solstice Reflections
This coming weekend marks the summer solstice here in the northern hemisphere - the longest day of the year and the official start of astronomical summer. Across the UK, people will be making pilgrimages to sacred sites like Stonehenge and Avebury, gathering among the ancient standing stones to witness the sunrise. I've always felt drawn … Continue reading Embracing the Light: Summer Solstice Reflections
Celebrating Average in (park)running and life when you have a chronic illness
A few Saturdays ago, I crossed the finish line at a parkrun and checked my watch with the usual mix of hope and resignation that comes with chronic illness. The numbers stared back at me: I had hit the exact average time for this particular parkrun. Not a personal best, not a time that would … Continue reading Celebrating Average in (park)running and life when you have a chronic illness
Beat the Heat: Coping with Hot Weather When You Have Fibromyalgia
If, like me, you struggle with heat and temperature regulation, you may find that summer is a challenging time when the weather heats up. Photo by Bruno Scramgnon on Pexels.com While many people look forward to those long, sunny days, the heat can wreak havoc on our already sensitive systems. Temperature sensitivity is incredibly common … Continue reading Beat the Heat: Coping with Hot Weather When You Have Fibromyalgia
Sleep Restriction for Fibromyalgia: Why Less Sleep Time Can Mean Better Sleep Quality
If you're living with fibromyalgia, you're likely all too familiar with the cruel irony of chronic fatigue paired with poor sleep quality. Despite feeling exhausted, you may find yourself lying awake for hours, tossing and turning, or waking frequently throughout the night. This sleep disruption doesn't just leave you tired—it can worsen fibromyalgia symptoms, creating … Continue reading Sleep Restriction for Fibromyalgia: Why Less Sleep Time Can Mean Better Sleep Quality
The Beauty of Blossom Season at Batsford Arboretum
Like many living with chronic illness, getting out in nature is an important part of my staying as well as possible. So, a couple of weeks back, we headed to Batsford Arboretum for a dog friendly day out. The arboretum is located within the Cotswolds National Landscape, near Moreton in Marsh. Whilst there is interest … Continue reading The Beauty of Blossom Season at Batsford Arboretum
Slow and Steady Wins: Running a 10K with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain
I’ve posted before that running has become the latest tool in my wellness toolkit. But, living with fibromyalgia and other chronic health conditions means that I have to take running (like most things) very slowly. I plan every run in the context of my week to ensure that I don't do too much and cause … Continue reading Slow and Steady Wins: Running a 10K with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain
Exercise-Induced Migraines: How Pushing Through Flu Derailed My 10K Training Plan
What happens when you push yourself too hard during 10K training while recovering from flu? In my case, it led to an exercise-induced migraine that knocked me out for days. Here's my experience and what I learned about this common but rarely discussed running challenge. My Running Journey Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom on Pexels.com I’ve … Continue reading Exercise-Induced Migraines: How Pushing Through Flu Derailed My 10K Training Plan
First Signs of Spring: Snowdrops, Birdsong, and Daily Dog Walks
Even on the greyest February days, nature offers promises of spring's arrival. As someone who walks daily with my two dogs – a routine that helps manage my fibromyalgia symptoms – I've become attuned to these subtle seasonal shifts. I really notice the difference in my pain levels on days when I don't walk (usually … Continue reading First Signs of Spring: Snowdrops, Birdsong, and Daily Dog Walks
Musings on Life with Fibromyalgia 