A Historian with Fibromyalgia: Letters from the History Nook

Happy Wednesday, gentle reader, and hello from the History Nook.

Fibromyalgia is… a literal pain in the ass sometimes. Other times it’s a pain in the shoulder, hip, neck, leg, arm… you get the idea. Long research sessions and days in the archive can take their toll on my body, so I’ve put together a list of all of the adaptations I use, and things I take into consideration when going about my work.

• If I have a day in the archive planned, I’ll make sure I have no large physical tasks the day before or after.

• If I can get research material in a PDF or e-book format, I will. This means I can read things no matter where I am. Sitting in a weird position on the sofa because my back just wanted to bend backwards for a bit? Laying in bed due to widespread pain or fatigue? It’s all possible with digital resources.

• Even the little things can be painful, like holding a book or an e-reader. I make sure to give myself plenty of time to rest. If that means listening to a podcast or documentary instead of having to hold something? Then that’s what I’ll do.

• Brain fog is frustrating and there may be times where I just can’t get a blog post out on time. I write as much as I can in advance and schedule my posts, just in case I have a flare or a crash and can’t write for a few days.

• I plan museum trips in detail in advance so I can make sure to see the most important objects (for me) first.

• If I know I’m going to be on my feet a lot (for work or a museum visit) I’ll increase my pain medication for a day or two before and after. (Don’t do this without speaking to your doctor first.)

• I have scheduled naps when I’m working from home. This helps with fatigue, pain reduction, and brain fog.

• I make micro movements if I’m sitting down for an extended period of time. This was suggested by a physiotherapist I saw a few years ago, and it’s still one of my favourite ways to deal with a long research session.

• I use the little and often technique when I can and try to avoid long research sessions, but sometimes they are unavoidable.

There’s probably so much more that I do that I don’t even notice because it’s all second nature to me now.

This Week in the History Nook

It has been a quiet week herein the History Nook, a busy few days has left me little time to do more than my scheduled posts. We have made an addition to Index’s nap timeline though. If a micro story about a cat looking for a god nap spot is something you think you’ll enjoy, then head on over to the website!

This Week in my Life

I’ve been focusing a lot on personal development this week. Taking small steps to get out of my comfort zone, with Leo’s support, of course. I may have also dyed my hair neon orange.

Leo’s Corner

Chronic pain has a way of making time feel sticky, doesn’t it? Like honey on your fingertips—you’re still trying to turn pages, still determined to do the work, but everything slows and clings. And yet, I’ve watched Signa learn to work with that stickiness. She’s clever, flexible, and astonishingly self-aware. She doesn’t just push through; she adapts. She listens to the quiet messages from her body, even when they come in the middle of something thrilling—like an archival discovery or the perfect cup of tea.

To any of you navigating research and chronic illness: your pace is valid. Your methods are valid. And your story—pain, brilliance, naps and all—deserves to be told, even if it takes a little longer to write.

You’re not falling behind. You’re writing a slower, deeper kind of history. And I, for one, am endlessly proud of you.

With love, Signa and Leo.