If you’re living with fibromyalgia, then you know just how frustrating and unpredictable the symptoms can be. Keeping track of everything – from your daily pain levels to what seems to aggravate your symptoms – is critical for managing your condition, but it can also be a lot of work. Luckily, there are many benefits to keeping a fibromyalgia symptom journal.
Here are 10 pros and 5 cons:
Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission to fund my coffee-drinking habit if you use these links to make a purchase. You will not be charged extra and will keep me supplied with caffeine. It’s a win for everyone. I am not a medical professional, and nothing stated in this article should be mistaken for medical advice…
10 Fibromyalgia Symptom Journal Benefits
- Helps you to become more aware of your body and how it works.
- It can help you to identify patterns in your symptoms.
- It can be a helpful tool for communicating with your doctor.
- You’ll have evidence to show doctors and other health professionals about how fibromyalgia impacts your life.
- It may improve sleep quality by helping you to track bedtime habits and rituals.
- Could improve digestion if you record what and when you eat.
- It may help reduce stress levels by providing an outlet for your feelings.
- Having all of this information in one place will make it easier for you to remember things and keep track of trends over time.
- Journals are a great way to track progress over time.
- Journals can make you feel more in control of your health and well-being.
Related reading: Chronic Illness Flare Amnesia
5 Fibromyalgia Symptom Journal Drawbacks
- Fibromyalgia symptom journals can be overwhelming and discouraging.
- They can cause you to focus on the negative and forget about the good days
- It’s easy to become obsessed with tracking every detail, which can lead to anxiety and stress
- Journals can be a source of comparison, which is never healthy or helpful
- It may lead you to believe you could have prevented every flare.
Final Thoughts
Here are a few things to think about if you’re on the fence about whether or not to start a fibromyalgia symptom journal.
On the one hand, keeping track of your symptoms can be incredibly helpful in managing your condition. You can use your journal to track how different activities affect your pain levels, energy levels, moods, etc. This information can help you create a more effective treatment plan for yourself.
On the other hand, there is the potential for harm if you become too obsessed with tracking every little detail of your life. It’s important to remember that everyone experiences fibromyalgia differently, so what works for someone else may not work for you.
What have been your experience with keeping a fibromyalgia symptom journal? Tell me in the comments!
Get chronic illness journaling tips and prompts here!