Melissa vs Wellness Podcast

I've had a very long battle with insomnia - trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, waking too early and poor quality sleep.

This episode shares how I finally brought all the strands together and can often sleep well.

See the full blog post with further details here https://www.melissavsfibromyalgia.com/how-im-sleeping-mostly-well-after-20-years-as-a-chronic-insomniac/

Grab your Sleep Better With Fibromyalgia Micro Course here https://payhip.com/b/4TLvp

In this episode I share the pain management rule that helped me get a better handle on my pain and my nervous system.

The If This Then That Plan.

Read the whole details here https://www.melissavsfibromyalgia.com/the-rule-that-changed-my-pain-management-game/

Grab your Symptom Management Toolkit Micro Course here https://payhip.com/b/y2iwj

I share the best tool I have to support me with chronic fatigue syndrome, pain and insomnia. It's not a cure all. But it really, really helps me. I share how I came across it, how it helps me and how I use it now.

For more, read all about what you need to now about Yoga Nidra here https://www.melissavsfibromyalgia.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-yoga-nidra-for-fibromyalgia/

This episode is taken from the chapter of my work in progress book, Melissa vs Wellness. In it I condense over 20 years of symptoms to share my story with you.

For all resources recommended in this episode, including my free yoga series, and where to start: https://www.melissavsfibromyalgia.com/resources/

In this update, I share what low dose Naltrexone is, how it's going for me after seven years and what I think about the newer research coming out.

You can catch all the notes and more links and details here https://www.melissavsfibromyalgia.com/low-dose-naltrexone-ldn-for-fibromyalgia-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-is-still-changing-my-life/

Welcome my friend! I am so excited to be sharing what I am calling part two of my journey. I am not as sick as I was, nor as well as I want to be.

I'm sharing from my messy middle - with kids, a part-time job, a blog, a house, a husband, and a body with a lot of needs.

I want to share anything I learn that might help you with your journey. My dream is that your journey would be much shorter than mine.

Grab a cuppa and a heatpack, and let's break this all down into bite sized chunks.

For all resources recommended in this episode, including my free yoga series, and where to start: https://www.melissavsfibromyalgia.com/resources/

Find the full post with more information here https://www.melissavsfibromyalgia.com/sleeping-for-the-first-time-in-20-years-quetiapine-for-fibromyalgia-and-chronic-insomnia/

Check out www.melissavsfibromyalgia.com for more than 300 resources on managing chronic pain and fatigue.

Join my exclusive members group https://www.patreon.com/MelissaReynolds

The Melissa vs FMS/CFS Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/3298458900229311

Please do leave a review and share this episode with any you feel will benefit.

The problem of pacing when you're too sick to be normal and too well to be disabled.

I call this "passing". I pass for well, despite enormous daily limitations.

There is also a prevailing attitude to fibromyalgia that we ought to "push through" and get on with it. Even amongst people with fibromyalgia.

And I believe that attitude is what made me worse.

In addition to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, I was burnt out.

In this episode I share what pacing is, my experience, how to get started and more. 

Free pacing training https://www.melissavsfibromyalgia.com/tools-to-fight-fibromyalgia/pacing-for-fibromyalgia-training/ 

Join my exclusive members group https://www.patreon.com/MelissaReynolds

The Melissa vs FMS/CFS Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/3298458900229311

Please do leave a review and share this episode with any you feel will benefit.

In this episode I share where I have been, why I needed a break and what is next.

Check out www.melissavsfibromyalgia.com for more than 300 resources on managing chronic pain and fatigue.

Join my exclusive members group https://www.patreon.com/MelissaReynolds

The Melissa vs FMS/CFS Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/3298458900229311

Please do leave a review and share this episode with any you feel will benefit.

What is low dose naltrexone for fibromyalgia? What dose is Low Dose Naltrexone? What conditions does it help? How does it help fibromyalgia?  

https://ldnresearchtrust.org/conditions 

FREE training https://www.melissavsfibromyalgia.com/tools-to-fight-fibromyalgia/low-dose-naltrexone-for-chronic-pain-and-fatigue-training/ 

Check out my books to help you manage fibromyalgia well here https://books2read.com/melissanreynolds

Remember: I am not a medical professional, all information is for educational purposes, please do your research and connect with your medical team. 

In this video I share the question you need to ask yourself to improve fibromyalgia. The question that led to me halving my pain and fatigue levels and improving my quality of life.  

For much more information about managing fibromyalgia https://www.melissavsfibromyalgia.com/Y

oga specially designed for you https://melissavsfibromyalgia.teachable.com/

Free yoga for chronic pain and fatigue series https://www.subscribepage.com/yogaforthechroniclife 

Related videos for you I've been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, now what? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCzlF-O1h0M 

Pacing for fibromyalgia training https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngZyNLtEcvc&t=127s 

How I managed fibromyalgia well 2021 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YR1gp-Xh1Ww&t=1

In this episode I share how simple sustainable habits and the Atomic Habits book helps us with managing fibromyalgia and chronic illness.   

ME/CFS/Fibromyalgia Rating Scale http://www.cfsselfhelp.org/cfs-fibromyalgia-rating-scale 

Check out my books to help you manage fibromyalgia well here https://books2read.com/melissanreynolds   

The Fibromyalgia Framework Series full training, links and resources https://www.melissavsfibromyalgia.com/tools-to-fight-fibromyalgia/fibromyalgia-framework/ 

In this video I share how to prepare for fibromyalgia flares as a parent. Some activities that can be done when symptoms are flaring and you still have to manage the children.  

Read the full blog post and grab all the activity ideas here https://www.melissavsfibromyalgia.com/easy-activities-for-your-kids-when-youre-in-a-fibromyalgia-flare/

heck out my books to help you manage fibromyalgia well here https://books2read.com/melissanreynolds   

FREE yoga for chronic pain and fatigue series https://www.subscribepage.com/yogaforthechroniclife

This is my number on tool for naturally managing fibromyalgia - as a person who has been managing it for more than 15 years. This is another episode of Quick Tips Coffee Chat with Melissa. 

Get your free Yoga Nidra PLUS three more yoga tools here https://www.subscribepage.com/yogaforthechroniclife 

Join the Yoga Nidra for the Chronic Life program here https://melissavsfibromyalgia.teachable.com/p/yoganidraforfibromyalgia

How breathing can help with fibromyalgia. This is Quick Tip Coffee Chat with Melissa - just breathe (seriously!).   It might seem super simple, but I promise you it can help. Next time you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, with high symptom levels, try some gentle breathing. At the least you will get a little bit of a holiday from focusing on the sensation.   

For much more information about managing fibromyalgia https://www.melissavsfibromyalgia.com/

Yoga specially designed for you https://melissavsfibromyalgia.teachable.com/

Free yoga for chronic pain and fatigue series https://www.subscribepage.com/yogaforthechroniclife

Celebrate your symptom improvements/non flare days/symptom reductions with fibromyalgia and chronic illness.  Just celebrate :)   

In this quick tip coffee chat we discuss how I decided to celebrate my improvement after a week long flare.  

For much more information about managing fibromyalgia https://www.melissavsfibromyalgia.com/

Yoga specially designed for you https://melissavsfibromyalgia.teachable.com/

Free yoga for chronic pain and fatigue series https://www.subscribepage.com/yogaforthechroniclife 

Related videos for you Making and using a flare plan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zn9ErYTRvhQA 

Soothing yoga nap class for when you need a rest https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJkgtyW3Flw

How do I get out of bed in the morning with chronic pain/fibromyalgia? I share my tips to this question asked by a member of my group in this episode of Quick Tips Coffee Chat with Melissa.  

Get the free yoga for chronic pain and fatigue series for four options to fit into your mindful morning routine https://www.subscribepage.com/yogaforthechroniclife

For much more information about managing fibromyalgia https://www.melissavsfibromyalgia.com/

We delve into the practical ways to treat myofascial trigger points (and what they are).

Full post with links to resources https://www.melissavsfibromyalgia.com/2021/12/10/myofascial-trigger-points/ 

Time stamps for you

0:28 what are trigger points/myofascial pain syndrome? 

1:42 my experience with trigger points 

3:25 practical things to help myofascial pain syndrome 

4:55 whole of life help for chronic pain 

6:21 yoga for myofascial pain syndrome 

7:55 the practical tools you can use at home for trigger points  

The key ways to treat myofascial trigger points 

1. Manage (reduce or remove) perpetuating factors .

2. Conquer our whole of life plan  

3 Tackle the actual trigger points physically  

Disclaimer: Yoga includes physical movements as well as an opportunity for relaxation, stress re-education and relief of muscular tension. As is the case with any physical activity, the risk of injury, even serious or disabling, is always present and cannot be entirely eliminated. If you experience any pain or discomfort, listen to your body, discontinue the activity, and ask for support from your medical team. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself, and agree to release and discharge  

#myofascialpainsyndrome #triggerpoints #managingtriggerpoints #myofascialtriggerpoints #fibromyalgia #fibromyalgiatreatment #yogaforfibromyalgia #yogaforchronicpain #yogaforchronicfatigue

In this episode I delve into the five mindful habits that were saving my life in a highly busy and exhausting time. 

What are your favourite mindful habits? 

For all of the notes, details and links for more resources see this post https://www.melissavsfibromyalgia.com/2021/05/23/5-essential-mindful-habits-of-a-mama-of-four/ 

Don't forget to join my free 10 minutes yoga series for you https://www.subscribepage.com/yogaforthechroniclife 

Want to connect? Take a screenshot of this podcast episode and tag me on Instagram @melissanreynolds 

In this episode we discuss the benefits of yoga and Pilates for fibromyalgia. 

What do you prefer? 

To learn more about starting your yoga practice see this post here with handy links and resources https://www.melissavsfibromyalgia.com/2020/12/01/the-yoga-for-fibromyalgia-practice-guide-how-to-start-your-practice/

For the free five minutes a day pose challenge, join here https://www.subscribepage.com/yogachallenge

Podcast vs Blog vs YouTube. Make Money Online with Chronic Illness - costs are high, ability to make an income can be low. So how to make a modest income online when you have a chronic illness?  Full post with resources here https://www.melissavsfibromyalgia.com/2022/01/24/income-online-with-chronic-illness-2022/ 

Grab the Paced Guide to Starting a Blog with Chronic Illness Toolkit here https://payhip.com/b/kbVOX 

 ××××××××××××××××××××   

#makeincomeonline #makemoneyonline #shouldistartablog #bloggingwithchronicillness #makingmoneywithchronicillness #yogaforfibromyalgia #chronicfatigue #chronicpain #fibromyalgia

I created this episode in response to a genuine question from a member. Are these doctors promoting big results a scam? Are they selling something? 

No, in the case of the ones I share about, they are not a scam. Yes, they are selling things - books, supplements, consultations etc. Because even if someone is serving the fibromyalgia community, if they don't make a living they cannot keep doing what they are doing.

We talk about Doctor Teitelbaum, the SHINE protocol, his supplements (including my favourite one) and my experience. 

Check out the blog https://www.melissavsfibromyalgia.com/

Come and join the team https://melissavsfibromyalgia.teachable.com/p/yogastudio 

In this video I share how I motivate myself to move when in chronic pain. 

I am talking about gentle movement only. None of this pushing ourselves passed our limits and causing more pain business. 

Also - why would we want to motivate ourselves?   

Here is the full post with extra information and tips https://www.melissavsfibromyalgia.com/2014/08/17/simple-things-that-help-me-exercise/

For the gentlest way to start your yoga for chronic pain and fatigue practice, join this free challenge https://www.subscribepage.com/yogaforthechroniclife

In this video I answer the all important question what is fibromyalgia? What are the symptoms?

This is a snippet from this giant blog post https://www.melissavsfibromyalgia.com/2018/11/11/fibromyalgia-definition-symptoms-diagnosis-and-treatment/ 

For your FREE mini ebook Introduction to Fibromyalgia  https://payhip.com/b/CT4Da

DISCLAIMER This podcast is the author’s experience and research. It is always your responsibility to do your own research and always check in with your medical team. Nothing on this site is designed to diagnose or treat your illness. You are always advised to check with your medical team before beginning any treatment.

This is your complete guide to getting started with yoga for fibromyalgia.

Find all of the notes and extra details and resources here https://www.melissavsfibromyalgia.com/2020/12/01/the-yoga-for-fibromyalgia-practice-guide-how-to-start-your-practice/

Join us in the Yoga for the Chronic Life program - it is a very special program that blends yoga with chronic pain and fatigue management principles. You will get a gentle, guided journey to start, adapt and maintain your practice and get those side benefits yoga can offer us https://melissavsfibromyalgia.teachable.com/p/yoga-for-the-chronic-life.

How do you treat fibromyalgia, is there a cure and other important questions from a person who has had fibromyalgia for nearly two decades and has blogged about it for the past eight years.  

Get the Complete Introduction to Fibromyalgia FREE ebook here https://payhip.com/b/CT4Da

See the Ultimate Guide to Managing Fibromyalgia in 2022 here with free downloadable check list https://www.melissavsfibromyalgia.com/2021/01/01/the-2021-guide-to-managing-fibromyalgia-with-free-download/

Don't forget to connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/melissanreynolds/ - take a screenshot of this podcast and tag me in your stories! I love to say hi.

In this episode we talk about symptom tracking with fibromyalgia. How and why?

For more about symptom tracking see this blog post https://www.melissavsfibromyalgia.com/2019/02/03/fibromyalgia-framework-series-part-three-tracking-your-progress-fighting-fibromyalgia/

Get your free Yoga for Chronic Pain and Fatigue series here https://www.subscribepage.com/yogaforthechroniclife

Do you symptom track? Take a pic of how you track and tag me on Instagram @melissanreynolds 

Meditation is a fabulous tool for fibromyalgia/chronic pain/chronic fatigue. Anything that promotes deep rest is a helpful addition to our toolkit. Anyone following this blog for any amount of time will know how much I love Yoga Nidra guided meditation.

Loads of us have heard the spiel, the idea that it will be some kind of magical panacea. I get it. Many of us have tried it to little benefit. Especially when we have been told to try it seated either on a cushion or hard floor. Oh heck no! I don’t have the time or energy for that nonsense.

I want my meditation to double as profound rest. And I want the secondary benefits.

So let’s talk about the benefits of meditation, the types and how you can build your own meditation practice.

Grab the full blog post with resources here https://www.melissavsfibromyalgia.com/2021/04/02/meditation-for-fibromyalgia/

Get your free 10 minutes series which includes one meditation here https://www.subscribepage.com/yogaforthechroniclife

How on earth do you cope with fibromyalgia, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, insomnia etc. during pregnancy?? 

As a mama who has done this four times in eight years and done a heap of research, I share some tips. 

This blog post also has a free pain plan download for you! https://www.melissavsfibromyalgia.com/2021/09/12/coping-in-pregnancy-with-chronic-pain-and-fatigue/

If you want to join the supportive Facebook team see here https://www.facebook.com/groups/143405323092202

This is all about my favourite supplement for fibromyalgia - Recovery Factors. 

We will discuss research and Melissa's experience (overwhelmingly positive!) 

Catch the full blog post here https://www.melissavsfibromyalgia.com/2020/08/11/recovery-factors-my-favourite-supplement-for-fibromyalgia/ 

You can grab your own bottle here https://recoveryfactors.com/?affiliates=16 (this is an affiliate link, I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you, I fully believe in this product). 

If you use the code ad6c16 you will get 5% off!

Check out more at www.melissavsfibromyalgia.com