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When your body aches in unseen places and you’re all over the place as far as schedule and life in general, it’s nice to have certain things that you can make you feel better every time. I call this collection of items my Fibromyalgia Tool Kit. My husband jokes sometimes that he needs to get me a special tool bag just for all of my things.
Just a note that the items I’m about to list are not a medical suggestion and you should definitely see your doctor if you are experiencing any painful symptoms of fibromyalgia or autoimmune disease. If you have already sought out the help of a medical professional these items can help you manage those symptoms without breaking the bank.
Heat and Cooling Treatments
I personally have multiple wraps. The plush one I leave at home and the smaller wrap lives in the tote bag that I lug around with me everywhere. Both can be used either cold or hot and have protective covers so you’re not putting the wraps directly against your skin. The plush kinds are the most comfortable.
This one is lightweight and made by Hot Cherry Pillows. It’s made from cherry pits and other environmentally friendly materials. The suede denim is really comfortable and I like the fact that it’s eco friendly.
Rollers
I love a smaller foam roller. I can place it on a wall and use it on my back. It’s also great on my legs when I have the tingly sensation that I get sometimes.
The quartz roller provides a cooling sensation when I use it on my face. I absolutely love it when I’m feeling tense, especially around my jaw.
Aromatherapy
Different scents put me in my happy zone and release that ever craved serotonin. I keep the wood grain one beside my bed and use the USB with my laptop in my office.
Light Therapy
Part of managing your symptoms is making sure you get a good amount of sleep. I don’t like being woken up abruptly and I also can’t sleep with light coming into my room so I have blackout curtains. This one is a new addition to my tool kit that really do like. It’s a subtle way to wake up.
Have not actually tried this one yet but I’m hoping that on the dreary days when I can’t focus it will help out a little bit when I’m in my office. I will update when I have tried it out for an extended amount of time.
Weighted Blanket
I actually got my weighted blanket from Five Below. There isn’t a link to purchase it from the website but they’re available from other stores and amazon. They come in multiple colors and weights. The weight from the blanket is very comforting especially when I’m very tense. It’s like a nice hug after a long day.
There are definitely other things in my tool kit, but I believe these are affordable starters that you can access easily. Do you have any go to items for self care? Let me know if the comments below! Or check out our Pinterest Board for more ideas.
Elizabeth “Mack” McKee lives in Connecticut with her husband Keven, stepson Gregor, and their yellow lab, Honey. She is the Operations Manager for Mystified Escape Rooms. When she isn’t writing or builidng props, she volunteers in the community with the New London Elks.
These are so useful and will help many. Thank you for sharing! Love your blog and looking forward to seeing more great content!
I have all of these except the light therapy, I would be interested to know how well it works for you. Insomnia is a constant battle that I lose all to often. I love that you take these with you as a “Fibromyalgia tool kit” thanks for sharing 😊
I never thought how much simple things can help when someone suffers from different ailments. Aromatherapy should help anyone with a serotonine boost:) I have a colour changing diffuser I use when I remember to plug it in!
I love this toolkit! I have Fibro and RA so the heating and cooling wraps would help me so much. I thought I had skin issues for the longest time until we figured out the burning was actually nerve damage and issues. So, anything that makes me feel better is great in my book!
Some great suggestions. The warming pads I’ve tried and they’re really helpful when your arms don’t feel as if they belong to you anymore. I’ve not tried any of the other items you describe. So, I’m going to try roller. Anything is worth experimenting with. Thank you.
Thanks for the kit ideas! I never thought of using the roller for my jaw! Great recommendation.
Love how you’ve pulled together your own Fibromyalgia Tool Kit! I think it’s great to have some go-to items when you need a little comfort or pick me up. I recently bought my daughter a weighted blanket and it’s helping her relax before falling asleep. Thanks for the great recommendations.
I love aromatherapy! I knew it helped with relaxation, but I had no idea it helped with pain.
Really informative article, thanks for uploading! 🙂
Foam rolling is a part of how I minimize pain, but I will be looking into aroma therapy and weighted blankets.
I’ve been using a therapy each morning (I live in a pretty cloudy area). It’s part of my morning routine and has helped me feel more alert. Also, I ended up getting a lap weigted blanket. I use this in combo with a heating pad for my aching bladder (due to Interstitial Cystitis).
This list gives some calming resources for when pain hits. Thank you!
Great post! I like to learn, and I have learned something! Thanks you very much keep the good work!