While a diagnosis of fibromyalgia brings on a devastating loss of control over many aspects of life, we always have one tool instantly available to help decrease the suffering of fibromyalgia; the wondrous tool of our own mind. We alone are the master of our own thoughts, and it’s possible to return our minds to well-being in spite of a chronic illness, by getting control of negative thinking. The goal isn’t to be in denial or to be completely happy without a care in the world, but to start choosing better thoughts that help us feel more empowered and peaceful while coping with a chronic illness.
Fibromyalgia takes a terrible toll on the body with a multitude of symptoms including pain, chronic fatigue, and the overall global loss of functioning. Just as the onset of fibromyalgia is often the culmination of many little stresses, regaining the wellbeing of our mind is the result of consistent, persistent steps. With even one positive thought, we produce good feeling chemicals called neurotransmitters that can sooth the mind and body.
Stopping The Runaway Train of Negativity
Stopping a negative mind is sometimes like stopping a runaway train; at first it’s a struggle to slam on the brakes and stop the momentum of the cars screaming down the tracks, but with consistent pressure on the brakes, eventually the train slows down and can be easily guided in another direction. Our minds are just like that train; we have to expend some effort to stop it from going in the wrong direction, but once we get control, it’s so much easier to steer it where we want, in the direction of positive thoughts.
Positive thinking isn’t just a pretty idea anymore. Brain science now supports the benefits of positive thinking, revealing that our brains are more “plastic” than once believed; meaning we can restructure our brain and our mind with just a little practice. Thoughts are pathways in the brain, and the more we think a thought the more the brain recognizes its importance; making sure it’s easy to find again. We can add new pathways in our minds, positive thoughts that if practiced, become easier to find. Current brain research suggests that the neurotransmitters released with positive thinking help us feel better mentally and emotionally, and can help reduce physical pain while increasing relaxation and a sense of wellbeing.
Begin With Little Steps Starting Now
How do we even begin thinking positively in the midst of the devastation of a chronic illness? One of the easiest ways to learn positive thinking is with a gratitude practice. Choose one thing you can be grateful for in this moment. Your brain has a beneficial reaction to a thought of gratitude regardless of the external value of the object you choose. Be thankful for hot water if you can’t think of anything else, and go take a nice hot bath. Make a conscious statement that you are thankful for the soothing comfort of hot water that you have at your command, and let yourself be aware of how you feel when you are being grateful.
Pick one positive thought you believe, and repeat it a few times. Notice how you feel when you consciously turn your mind’s focus to a better thought. We may not be able to control everything that happens with fibromyalgia, but remember we do have control over what goes on in our minds, and that getting control over negative thoughts, like stopping that runaway train, gets easier with practice.
Wellbeing happens little by little. Fibromyalgia may take away many things, but we can still have control over the tides of thoughts in our minds. Starting with one positive thought, you will see the benefits accumulate, like putting money in the bank a few dollars at a time. Before you know it you’re invested in the results of positive thinking and enjoying the benefits every day!
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