I am laughing at myself because I’m tempted to make this post one word: “NO”
Still Standing (c)2010
During my migraine years, debilitating attacks have often not only prevented me from pursuing or enjoying hobbies but also from simply engaging in everyday, normal activities!
I most wanted to spend any time not in migraine hell with my family, enjoying my children, or needed to spend that time and energy at work, on chores, and doing regular life stuff.
Many of the activities I enjoy — reading, writing, music, art, hiking, tennis, travel, photography — are severely and negatively impacted by migraine pain and illness. Once I crocheted snowflakes for Christmas gifts and remember bawling while trying to concentrate on the stitches through the pain. I recall taking college courses and struggling to memorize material for exams through blinding migraine pain.
Not wanting to be entirely negative, though, I have to say that having hobbies we love are generally helpful to all of us. So during healthy times, enjoying those activities most likely has a positive influence on our life outlook and might on some level improve our disorder symptoms.
Bottom line is that we need to relax and enjoy what we can when we can, and I feel it’s important to not feel pressured — internally or externally — to engage in hobbies or extra activities and then feel guilty or inadequate when we just aren’t able to participate. And reversely, rejoice and take pleasure when we can!
This is posted for the October 2010 Headache Blog Carnival at Somebody Heal Me with the topic, “How do your hobbies help you cope with your headache disorder?”
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