Living with Hypermobility: The Power of Positive Thinking
Living with hypermobility syndrome can often feel like an uphill battle. Some days, I’ll feel so unstable that just getting out of bed seems like a monumental task. Other days, I worry about subluxing a joint during the simplest activities. Being hypermobile is challenging because it often leads to chronic pain, frequent injuries, and the constant need to be cautious with every movement. It’s not easy, and sometimes it feels downright impossible.
But I’ve discovered that one of the most powerful tools I have to manage my hypermobility disorder is my mindset. Positive thinking has become my lifeline, and in this blog, I want to share how having a positive mindset can help you too.
Hi, my name is Eva Meier. I am the Founder of The Line Method, and a hypermobility fitness specialist. I have been working with hypermobile individuals (or as I like to say, Bendy Babes) for over 5 years using techniques and methods that I’ve developed to assist in my own journey, as well as theirs. I take an approach to fitness that incorporates physical, mental, and emotional wellness. And today, I want to dive into the mental piece by discussing the power of positive thinking and how I’ve used this approach to help build my resilience.
I remember when I first started focusing on positive thinking. At first, it felt like I was just trying to fool myself into feeling better. But over time, I realized that it wasn’t about ignoring the pain of having hypermobile joints or pretending everything was perfect. It was about shifting my focus to what I could control and finding joy in small victories. This shift made a huge difference in how I experienced my daily life with hypermobility.
One of the key benefits I’ve found is that positive thinking helps me build resilience. When pain flares up or I face a setback, I try to see it as a challenge rather than a defeat. This doesn’t mean I don’t have bad days—I do. But by viewing these challenges through a lens of positivity, I find the strength to keep going. Resilience is like any other muscle; the more you use it, the stronger it gets.
Another way positive thinking has helped me is by making me more adaptable. Living with hypermobility means constantly adjusting my activities and plans. Instead of feeling frustrated by these changes, I try to see them as opportunities to discover new ways of doing things. For instance, I used to only do heavy weightlifting. I was under the impression that it would make me stronger and ultimately “heal me.” But more often than not, I walked away from those workouts feeling worse off and very fatigued.
It took some time, but I eventually figured out that low-impact, moderate weight lifting is what actually helped me feel stronger. I could stay active without putting too much strain on my joints. So rather than telling myself “You’re weak for not doing more,” instead I learned to tell myself “You’re doing something healthy that keeps you strong.” Adapting to new activities has not only kept me physically healthy but it’s taught me that rolling with the punches goes a lot further than trying to force my body into a situation that clearly isn’t working.
Stress management is another crucial aspect where positive thinking plays a role. Chronic conditions like hypermobility spectrum disorder come with a lot of stress and anxiety. I’ve found that practices like mindfulness and meditation can be incredibly calming. Taking a few minutes each day to breathe deeply and center my thoughts helps reduce the mental strain of living with hypermobility syndrome. Now I know, I know… deep breathing isn’t a cure-all. But try keeping this in mind when you sit down to do breathwork – breathing deeply isn’t going to change your thoughts. But it will give a few moments to figure out if those thoughts are worth holding onto.
Gratitude has also become a cornerstone of my positive thinking practice. Recently I’ve taken to jotting down a few things I’m grateful for. Sometimes it’s something big, like a supportive friend, and other times it’s something small, like a good book. But it’s always something different. This simple practice helps me focus on the positive aspects of my life, even when the day has been tough. It gives me a positive mindset – learning to shift from what’s wrong to what’s right, and that makes a huge difference.
Lastly, surrounding myself with positivity has been transformative. I seek out people who uplift and support me. Whether it’s family, my husband, or a business advisor, being around positive influences helps reinforce my own positive thinking. Engaging in activities that bring me joy—like taking walks or listening to music—also boosts my mood and makes it easier to stay positive.
Positive thinking is not a magic cure for hypermobility disorders, but it’s a powerful tool that can make a significant difference. By focusing on resilience, adaptability, stress management, gratitude, and surrounding yourself with positivity, you can improve your quality of life. Embrace these practices, and you’ll find that your mental resilience can improve. If you learn how to be more positive, living with hypermobility spectrum disorder becomes a bit more manageable, and maybe even a bit more joyful.
