I was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2005.

Since then I’ve had three abdominal surgeries, including a hysterectomy, to help with symptoms and pain management.

Along with my diagnosis I’ve experienced chronic pelvic pain, cramping and joint discomfort.

Chronic pain can be exhausting.

Not only physically, but mentally as well.

You don’t know when or where it might strike. You try to have strategies and plans to keep it at bay and manageable, which definitely help.

But despite your best efforts, it can still come up and bite you in the you know what sometimes.

I’ve had a hysterectomy and yet I still get flares of my endometriosis pain and cramps. When I do I have to take a look at my stress levels, hydration, workout intensity and nutrition habits to see if maybe I’ve gone off track a little.

I readjust, do a little self care and move on. I can’t focus or dwell in it because that gets me nowhere. I look to the next step and what I can do to get where I want to go.

On YouTube today I’ve posted a ten minute Exercises for Cramps workout that I use when I’m experiencing a flare of my endometriosis symptoms. It involves exercises for cramps and general pelvic pain. It also works great for PMS symptoms. It increases circulation, calms the neurological system and regulates breathing so we can help get out of that pain pattern.

There are things you can do, even with chronic pain! Take care of yourself and enjoy this routine to calm your body and your mind.