Journaling

I am a journaler, I write everything down, I would be classified as a queen of journals. I just like the pretty books in which I can write down my thoughts, write down words of inspirations, conversations with God, and the events of this Fibro monster. You too, may want to consider starting a journal listing your daily events as you battle the monster within. A symptom journal is an excellent way to relieve stress, recall events, pain episodes, how you felt, what you were doing at the time, what relieved the pain, what didn't, express emotions and discover new ways to cope with fibromyalgia. Your Fibro journal does not have to focus specifically on your fibromyalgia symptoms but can be an open diary on your physical, mental and spiritual health. It can also prove to very beneficial when going to the doctor as a memory jogger for what you wanted to say, but can't remember, I would go as far as having things color coded, and sections, such as a Doctor question section, a doctor name and number section, past and present, a food section, what you ate, how your body responded to it....

What is the Journal For?
Writing in a journal can be very personal or open diary on your life. Most people keep private journals to identify their changing moods, to set goals, improve communication skills, or simply to release pent up emotions. Whether you like to write in point form or in paragraphs is not important when writing in diaries.
For most people, the purpose of a journal is to understand yourself better, to get a better idea of who you are and what you want to do with your life. What makes a fibromyalgia symptom journal different is that you can also keep track of your symptoms and flare-ups, possibly identifying certain triggers.

Make a Commitment to Writing
You could begin by making a commitment to write about your symptoms, moods and feelings on a weekly basis. You can document your fibromyalgia symptoms, your moods and feelings during the day, what triggers your fibromyalgia symptoms and when and if you were able to relax. You could write down a list of tasks and errands that you want to get done that week and check them off every night when you go to bed. This will give you a sense of pride and accomplishment at achieving your goals. Later on you can move on to bigger goals and write out the steps to achieve those goals.
If you make journal-writing a habit, you will eventually detect the patterns of your thoughts and feelings associated with fibromyalgia. You can go back through your journal and re-read your entries to see how your attitude or feelings have changed or stayed the same regarding fibromyalgia or any other aspect of your life. You can also notice any emerging trends as to when your symptoms or better or worse. This may help you avoid those factors that can trigger symptom flare-ups or seek our fibromyalgia relief before your symptoms get too unbearable.
Benefits of a Symptom Journal
Please don't beat yourself up if you don't write for a day or two or seven, it's YOUR journal, you are the CEO of the journal book. There is no right or wrong way to journalize, afterall, it is your account of your life and events and you can write what you want. There are several benefits to keeping a symptom journal a few times every week. The major benefit of keeping a journal is discovering what can trigger a fibromyalgia flare up. When you have a written record of a fibromyalgia flare up, your symptoms, your mood and the events preceding the flare up, you are better equipped to deal with that type of situation the next time it arises. Other benefits to keeping a journal include:

relieves stress
organizes appointments, finances, fitness or health goals
enhances communication skills
strengthens your friendships and relationships
builds self-esteem and a sense of independence
increases awareness of fibromyalgia symptoms
powerful tool to fight fibromyalgia

Writing Tips
Look for your preference of journal or scrapbook that allows for creative space, have highlighers and post it tabs.
Find a private quiet place, it could be in your home or in the park, or on your deck.
Develop a routine for writing, writing at the same time and place every day or every few days
Keep your journal in a safe and secure spot and let your family know the importance of your privacy
Date every entry so that you can become aware of patterns and cycles in your life
Avoid the need for perfectionism, your journal is private and is a personal tool for self-discovery.
The more open and honest you are with yourself in your writing, the more you can notice your subconscious thought patterns, motivations and beliefs about yourself and others. When journaling about your pain, be sure to rate your pain with a number 1-10

Food Journal
You can also keep a food journal or health journal to find patterns in what you eat, what may be causing flares in your fibromyalgia and how to eat healthier. If you suffer from fibromyalgia, you know the havoc that sugar, caffeine, alcohol and fatty, fried foods can wreak on your health. Keeping track of what you eat can make you aware of eating patterns and what may be exacerbating fibromyalgia symptoms like headaches, urinary problems or constipation.

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