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Published on Thursday, 13 August 2020 14:09

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Keeping your hobbies and social life alive

Getting out and socialising can be a bit of an effort when you are tired and in pain, but if you pace yourself and manage your time well you can still enjoy plenty of good times with your friends. Days out or big social events can aggravate your symptoms but if you have a good time then more often than not it is well worth it. Planning ahead is the key. Here are some ideas and solutions other young people have found useful:

• If you find it difficult to go out in the evening why not invite friends round to your place to watch a DVD and catch up on the latest gossip.
• Organise a night out yourself so you can choose a time that suits you, a place where you feel comfortable and an activity that you enjoy.
• At the cinema sit at the end of a row so you can get up and stretch if you need to.
• Timetable in some rest time in the afternoon so you have the energy to enjoy yourself in the evening.
• You may need to cancel arrangements at the last minute, so explain to your friends that this may happen so they are prepared and don’t take it personally.
• For a big event, plan ahead. Take it easy the day before and try to keep the following day free so you can rest if you need to.
• Plan an escape route for on the day in case you want to leave early.

Carla: “My friends are really understanding about how my FM can change, but I find it difficult to eat out at most restaurants because of my IBS. It is better if I organise the night out myself, so I can choose a restaurant that does food I can eat. I also love music. Playing the flute and guitar now causes me increased pain so I’ve decided to concentrate on my singing.”

Katie: “I have learned who my real friends are. I have some brilliant friends who are really good with my condition, I am very lucky. I work very hard at seeing my friends although I don’t think I am always much company.”

Jenny: “I used to be really anxious about going out with friends in the evening in case I suddenly felt too tired or in too much pain. Now, I ask my parents to come and collect me if I want to go home early. This makes me feel more relaxed and able to enjoy myself.” If you are a sporty person you may be finding some of your hobbies are aggravating your symptoms. There may be ways round this, like reducing the amount of time you spend doing the activity in one session, before building up slowly at your own pace or adapting the activity to suit you better. If you find that some activities simply aren’t worth the extra pain, then have a look round for alternative interesting hobbies. There is a huge selection to choose from.”

Stephanie: “I now find tap dancing and ice skating too physical, so I’ve taken up some new hobbies including jewellery making. I still enjoy listening to my music too.”

Megan: "I go to Guides, play on a trampoline, do drama, play netball and chat to friends online."

Holly: "I don’t have a lot of energy for hobbies, but am enjoying learning another language. I also like to go to the zoo on sunny days and sometimes to the circus because those two things don’t make my symptoms worse. I find going bowling too painful on my hands and cinemas are often too draughty.”

Summary 

• Young people with fibromyalgia can get better over time.
• Exercise is important to stop the muscles becoming stiff, weak and tight.
• Learn to pace your activity throughout the day.
• Don’t be afraid to try new activities.
• Be creative and learn to problem solve.
• Talk to friends and family about how you feel.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. 

Click here for information for parents of those with fibromyalgia. This is the 3rd and final section of our Young People & Fibromyalgia booklet.