- 1). Handle one task at a time. Being overwhelmed or stress can complicate fibromyalgia and bring on pain. Deal with stress by tackling one task at a time and decreasing responsibilities. Take time for yourself, and practice breathing exercises or schedule a massage to lower your stress level.
- 2). Get plenty of rest. Along with being overworked, inadequate sleep or rest can aggravate fibromyalgia. Fight fatigue and pain by sleeping at least eight hours a night. Also, if possible, take short naps during the day to recharge your body.
- 3). Ease pain with exercise. Thirty minutes of exercise a day can decrease pain and relieve muscle stiffness. Exercise regularly to strengthen your muscles and increase energy. Pain-free workouts may include brisk walking, swimming, cycling or Pilates.
- 4). Control pain with OTC drugs. Take over-the-counter pain relievers to ease fibromyalgia pain. Medications to reduce pain include aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
- 5). Reduce pain with an antidepressant. According to the Mayo Clinic, a low-dose antidepressant can relieve widespread pain and combat chronic low energy. Consult your doctor and discuss your options.
- 6). Give up caffeine. Drinking caffeine can interrupt sleep and worsen fatigue. Exclude caffeine from your diet to restore energy.
- 7). Take a multivitamin. According to Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia, take daily vitamins or supplements such as omega-3 fish oils and magnesium to improve fibromyalgia symptoms.
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