When dealing with nervous system disorders like fibromyalgia, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), or functional neurological disorder (FND), everyday life can often feel like a balancing act of avoiding triggers, managing symptoms, and trying to conserve energy. But one fascinating insight has emerged from both research and personal experiences — moments of genuine happiness and joy, those deep and authentic feelings that aren’t easily faked, don’t seem to provoke the same overwhelming symptoms.
This raises an important question: Can genuine happiness and feelings of safety actually help improve conditions like fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, and FND?
The Connection Between Genuine Happiness and the Nervous System
At first glance, it may seem counterintuitive that something as simple as joy could influence how the nervous system behaves. However, when we understand the role of the nervous system in these conditions, the connection becomes clearer.
Disorders like fibromyalgia and ME/CFS are believed to involve a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), the part of our body responsible for regulating stress responses. In these conditions, the ANS may stay stuck in a state of heightened fight-or-flight, even when there's no real threat present. This can lead to a cascade of symptoms — from fatigue and muscle pain to brain fog and emotional distress.
However, moments of real happiness — the kind that come from activities that bring genuine joy, connection, or meaning — engage the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the “rest and digest” state. This state allows your body to shift out of survival mode, giving your system a chance to relax, recover, and function more normally. The experience of joy is essentially the opposite of stress, and this positive emotional experience can reduce the overactivity of the fight-or-flight response, providing relief from symptoms.
Why Genuine Joy Is Hard to Fake
One of the reasons genuine happiness is so powerful is that it’s nearly impossible to fake. You can push through exercise or force yourself to smile, but real joy is something different. It’s a full-body experience, a sense of ease, flow, and connection that can’t be manufactured. When you’re truly happy, your brain isn’t registering threat; instead, it’s releasing endorphins, dopamine, and other feel-good chemicals that naturally calm the nervous system.
In contrast, when we try to force happiness or go through the motions, the body knows. It remains tense, and the nervous system continues to be on high alert. True happiness, on the other hand, signals to your nervous system that you are safe — that no immediate threat is present.
The Role of Feeling Safe
Feeling safe is a core part of healing for anyone with a nervous system disorder. The body cannot heal if it constantly perceives danger. Activities that foster genuine happiness, such as spending time with loved ones, engaging in creative work, or connecting with nature, provide a strong sense of emotional safety. When we feel safe, our bodies can switch from that heightened state of alertness to a more balanced state, reducing symptoms like pain, fatigue, and brain fog.
Studies have even shown that chronic stress or perceived danger can exacerbate symptoms of fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, and FND. On the flip side, experiences that make you feel emotionally safe — like moments of joy, laughter, or even gentle play — can promote relaxation and help manage these conditions.
How Genuine Joy Helps with Fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, and FND
For people living with conditions like fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, or FND, moments of real joy can be rare but incredibly valuable. Engaging in activities that make you feel truly alive, connected, and happy can reduce the burden on your nervous system. Here’s how:
Reduces Stress Responses: Genuine happiness reduces the stress hormones, like cortisol, that flood your system during moments of pain or fatigue. This, in turn, decreases inflammation and nervous system overactivity, two key factors in these conditions.
Boosts Immune Function: Chronic illnesses like ME/CFS often involve immune system dysfunction. Positive emotions have been shown to improve immune responses, helping your body cope with the physical demands of illness.
Improves Energy Levels: Even though activities that require physical exertion can often leave people with these conditions drained, genuine joy can be energizing. Unlike forced activities, doing something that brings you real happiness can recharge you emotionally and mentally, which often translates to a boost in physical energy as well.
Supports Better Sleep: People with nervous system disorders often struggle with sleep. Genuine happiness, especially when it involves relaxation and feeling safe, can improve the quality of your sleep, which is crucial for managing symptoms and promoting healing.
Finding Your Joy: Tips for People with Nervous System Disorders
If you live with a nervous system disorder, it can be challenging to find moments of joy, especially when symptoms feel overwhelming. However, incorporating small, genuine pleasures into your life can have a profound impact on your well-being. Here are a few tips:
Start Small: Don’t feel pressure to find joy in big, extravagant ways. Joy can come from simple things like listening to your favourite music, watching a comforting show, or spending time with a pet.
Focus on Connection: Social connection has a powerful impact on our nervous system. Whether it's through a phone call with a friend or a quiet moment with a loved one, human connection can provide feelings of safety and joy.
Practice Mindfulness: Activities like meditation, gentle yoga, or mindful breathing can help you tap into a sense of inner calm and joy. These practices help shift the body from fight-or-flight to rest-and-digest, providing relief from symptoms.
Pursue Creative Outlets: Creative activities like painting, writing, or playing music can be both joyful and healing. These moments of flow allow you to engage fully in the present moment and experience true happiness.
Conclusion: The Healing Power of Joy
While the symptoms of fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, and FND are complex and often unpredictable, the role of genuine happiness in easing these symptoms cannot be overlooked. Real joy, the kind that comes from deep within and fosters a sense of safety, can be a powerful tool in managing these conditions. By focusing on activities that bring genuine happiness and create a sense of security, you may find relief that goes beyond traditional treatments — helping your body and mind heal, even in the smallest of ways.
In the end, finding joy, no matter how fleeting or small, may just be one of the most potent medicines we have.
References:
Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Fibromyalgia. mayoclinic.org
Harvard Health Publishing. (2021). The impact of stress on your body. Harvard Medical School. health.harvard.edu
National Institutes of Health. (2020). Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME): Symptoms and Treatment. nih.gov
WebMD. (n.d.). Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). webmd.com
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). How Happiness Affects Your Health. clevelandclinic.org
Psychology Today. (2020). The Parasympathetic Nervous System: Your Body's Rest and Digest Response. psychologytoday.com
Healthline. (2022). The Connection Between Stress and Inflammation. fhealthline.com
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2021). Fibromyalgia Fact Sheet. ninds.nih.gov
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