The fire’s hot. Don’t get burned! (Part One)

Job 34:4 - Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.

Whether it’s chronic pain or illness, a flare-up can be brought on by any number of reasons - overextending yourself, experiencing emotional trauma, or environmental factors, just to name a few.
 
Once a flare-up is heading your way, it’s important to recognize it as soon as possible so you can figure out ways to stop it in its tracks.
 
Here’s a list of some early physical warning signals:

• Fatigue                                                 Increase or decrease of sleep
• Increased pain                                      Warmth in an area
• Tenderness                                           Tingling or numbness
• Pacing                                                  Gripping an object
• Twitching foot                                      Rocking
• Hands turning blue                                Other color changes in the skin 
• Breathing shallow or rapidly                  GI upset
• Heart rate increase                               Stiffness, tightness
• Headache                                             Not answering the phone
• Activity level drops                               Or takes a frantic pace

 
Emotional warning signs that may come to the surface:

• Easily upset                                          Crying
• Stop communicating                              Window shades are shut
• Withdrawal                                           Fear
• Disgust                                                  Irritation
• Agitation                                               Anger
• Shame                                                   Disappointment
• Hopelessness                                         Sadness
• Guilt                                                     Panic

 
It’s important during a flare-up to change what you’re thinking. What you’re thinking will affect what you say to yourself and others. If you want to change your mood, you need to change what you’re thinking.
 
If the loud speaker inside your mind says, “I can’t take this!”
Try saying, “Don’t panic. It’s going to hurt, but I’m going to be okay.”
 
Just as the Bible verse above describes, we have to learn to be students of our bodies.  To discern the right way to help ourselves and develop a plan to deal with flare-ups before they happen.
 
In my next post, I will discuss some ideas that can help you develop a plan for flare-ups and ways to stop one should it happen anyway.
 
In the meantime, find a link below to learn more about flare-ups. What are your warning signs that a flare-up is on the horizon? I look forward to hearing from you.

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