Hello everyone,
I just want to let all you know that are out there suffering that I have found one way of making my life with CRPS/RSD, feel like I have accomplished something each day and therefore uplifting my spirit (at least for a day)
The simple formula I have found is to do something each day that is very annoying or troublesome for you. Yes, just one thing. It boosts your spirit tremendously!!! Sometimes it is making one phone call you didn't want to make. Sometimes it could be putting one load of laundry away. Other times, it could be repotting one plant that has needed it done for years (yes, this is on my list). I know it can feel overwhelming and very hard, but sometimes the pain of the action of getting rid of the annoying item on your list, etc. can overcome the pain! If your limbs, etc. are still working, which I know with dealing with this for over a decade, sometimes doesn't happen!
I didn't realize until recently doing some research, that our dopamine centers (pleasure center of our brains) are activated by completing tasks! Wow! So even if we do just simple tasks (no matter how trivial or easy) we can make ourselves feel better! So, your simple task could be--getting the mail, making one phone call, putting the dishes away, taking a bath or shower, etc., it all activates our reward centers in our brains. Take care everyone

Thanks for this reminder. That is very cool about the dopamine. It is all too easy to get bogged down with a list of annoying things we don't want to tackle. I am guilty of putting off making phone calls of all things. As if it is really that hard for me to do.

So many things boost brain chemistry and mood. I was feeling sad this past week (we just lost our 15 year old terrier) and was moping around the house. I made myself get out in the sun and later went for a gentle glide on a kayak and was extra mindful of the surroundings. I felt much more at peace after.