Self-care is essential, but it’s even more critical when our bodies are living with a chronic illness. There are various gift-giving holidays throughout the year (in addition to your birthday), so here are the BEST self-care gifts for fibromyalgia warriors.
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Why Self-Care?
When living with a chronic illness, it’s easy to have big feelings to process. Guilt and shame are the most common feelings among patients with being a burden close at the top. This is where self-care comes into the picture.
Self-care is just as the word implies: the caring of self. Self-care can be done in a variety of ways such as:
- Schedule time for yourself to do what YOU want to do.
- Read a book.
- Get a massage.
- Exercise such as stretching, yoga, or going for a walk.
- Eat nourishing foods.
- Go on a road trip.
- Soak in a hot bath.
- Lying in bed/couch with great movies. (Join Prime Video Channels Free Trial
)
- Meditate.
- Spend time with friends.
- Establish a healthy sleep routine.
Whatever you choose to do, do something each day. Even 15 minutes of self-care each day can make a difference that day and over time.
Why Self-Care Gifts for Fibromyalgia?
Because making time for self-care is difficult for many of us, it’s low on our priority list. This means any gifts of (or for) self-care are also low on the list. That changes when we receive self-care gifts because we are more inclined to use them.
Here are some ideas for self-care gifts for fibromyalgia warriors suggested by fibromyalgia warriors. Share this list with friends and loved ones so they always have a list of ideas for your birthday and other gift-giving holidays!
Best Self-Care Gifts for Fibromyalgia 2020
Cozy Items
Socks
Compression socks with arch support are specifically for aching feet and heel pain.
Cold Therapy Socks
For those that like cold therapy on those aching feet, these are NatraCure Cold Therapy Socks. These are reusable gel ice frozen slippers for a variety of ailments.
Fun Socks
Or maybe fun socks to get some coziness on your footsies! There are some fun and unique ones out there! Dollar Tree is starting to carry some cute little socks the kids and I love!
Weighted Blankets
According to a study published in 2015, the pressure of a weighted blanket reduces movement at night allowing the body to achieve higher-quality sleep and lengthened average sleep time. In addition, weighted blankets stimulate the production of serotonin which also triggers the release of melatonin – the chemical that promotes sleep and regulates the sleep cycle.
Read more about the benefits of weighted blankets.
Heated Blankets
Heat dilates blood vessels and promotes blood flow which helps to soothe sore muscles and joints. This is a perfect gift for someone who is constantly cold or looking for all over body relief.
Slippers
Just looking at slippers makes me happy! Slippers are perfect for those with constantly cold feet and need added support when walking around indoors.
Robes
Keeping the body’s blood properly circulating and regulating body temperature can be difficult for those living with fibromyalgia. A robe can help during the times it feels cold while resting at home.
Travel pillow
Traveling can add stress to the body. Make it relaxing by having a good travel pillow with you. Perfect for those that travel frequently rather by bus, plane, or car!
Gift Certificates
Gift certificates and gift cards are my FAVORITE gift of all! Some gifting ideas include:
- massage
- infrared sauna therapy
- reflexology
- myofascial release therapy
- spa
- manicure
- pedicure
- house cleaning or other services (Try Amazon Home Services
- day of fun
- movies
- meal services (Save $20 on your first Snap Kitchen weekly plan with code SNP2482)
- groceries
- restaurant
Paper
Books
Books can be a great distraction from the pain and other issues. It’s also a great way to pass the time. Use my referral link to get books sent straight to your door with Book of the Month Club. You could also check out Kindle Unlimited Membership Plans
If you’re more interested in audiobooks, there’s a great option for Audible Gift Memberships.
Read reviews of my recent books here.
Journal
A pain journal can be useful on multiple levels. Whether it be for chronicling pain or writing therapy, keeping a pain journal can be a useful way of dealing with fibromyalgia symptoms. It can be an actual paper journal or an electronic journal. Either way, it’s a way for you to express yourself. You can also get a guided journal with prompts to get you started.
Adult Coloring Books
Coloring can reduce stress and anxiety as well as improve motor skills, sleep and focus. So, in other words – get your coloring on! Here are some free coloring pages to print at home, too!
Bath Time
Bath Salts
Soaking in a bath is great to relax tense muscles. Bath salts add essential oils and Epsom salt to increase the benefits of a warm bath.
Bath Pillow
Soaking in a bath can cause a crick in the neck. Add some softness to take the strain of your neck.
Aromafloria
Aromafloria offers a line of products for muscle soak. All of their ingredients are made in a USDA Certified Organic facility and carefully sourced from all over the world.
All Over Body Care
Essential Oils
Essential oils are a perfect way to ease the discomforts of fibromyalgia symptoms. There are a variety of ways to use them and many are useful for various reasons.
Read more about 10 Essential Oils for the Discomforts of Fibromyalgia Symptoms.
The Headache Hat
The Headache Hat is a wearable ice pack for migraine and headache relief.
TENS Machine
A TENS unit can help with pain and muscle relief through a non-invasive device. It uses human body simulation technology, microcomputer intelligent control technology, and simulates a variety of massage methods.
Ice Packs
Some people prefer cold therapy to relieve their aching muscles and joints. Ice packs have come a long way since I was a kid and they are multi-functional!
Heating Pad
Some like it cold and others like it hot. Heat therapy is also used to relieve sore muscles. There are a variety of heating pads and include ones for specific body parts like the shoulders.
Massage Cushions
These are great for the times you can’t make it out of the house and to the spa or massage therapy place. Or if you’re like me and simply cannot afford it. Either way, these are great!
Intangible
Sometimes a physical item cannot be bought, but there are other ways you can receive self-care. Here are some intangible gifts for someone living with fibromyalgia.
- Babysitting if they have kids.
- Your time whether it is sitting with them, talking on the phone, or simply checking in with them periodically.
- Compassion
- Offer to drive them to their doctor appointments or to run errands.
Topical Products
Topical Creams
Topical creams are one of a few ways to manage fibromyalgia symptoms and one of the easiest ways to do it.
CBD Oil
Those of us living with fibromyalgia are thought to have a deficiency or breakdown in the ECS causing it to function improperly. Because CBD acts so well on the receptors of the endocannabinoid system, it can increase the amount of naturally-produced cannabinoids and fill in those deficiencies. CBD can even interact with dopamine receptors which regulate behavior and cognition.
Lip Balm
A common (and less thought about) symptom is dried lips. Dry, cracked lips can be painful! Give those lips some moisture and nourishment they need!
Nourishment for the Soul
Smoothie e-book
Get your copy TODAY and start blending your way to wellness for you and your entire family! These recipes are so easy to make, you’re going to be excited about making smoothies! From freezing fruits and veggies to making smoothie packs, I will walk you through how easy it is to blend some wellness into your life! Full-color recipes, recipe tips, and a build your own smoothie guide are included.
Tea
Tea can be very comforting, but it can also give the body all over wellness through herbs.
Hi Brandi, I really liked this article because I have Chronic Lyme Disease and I often feel guilty doing self-care, when I’m actually doing what my body and mind need. A couple other items you can buy for yourself, or ask for as a gift: heating pad (you can never have too many for different areas of the house), a hand-lettering workbook and pens, nail polish and remover (there are clean formulas now), CBD Balm (Lazarus Naturals), cold slippers you keep in the freezer (Amazon) for burning feet, word searches with a fun colored pen or pencil. Things you can do for others: pray (honestly, this is the best thing to get my mind off of myself), fry or instant pot some ground beef and freeze in one pound freezer bags (lay them out flat to thaw quickly).
Well that’s probably more than you wanted. Too many years of experience:). I hope you’re doing well. -Angie
Hi, Angie! Thank you for your suggestions! Guilt often comes with self-care – I agree. I feel it, too. As long as we keep reminding ourselves of the importance of it, maybe the guilt will lessen. Those were great ideas for self-care! Many have found relief with CBD balm and heating pads. Pampering yourself with painting your nails is also important. Thanks again!