Is it possible to think about anything other than the amount of pain your body is in? Can you even place your energy and thoughts anywhere other than managing your pain? Although you may think it impossible, the answer is yes! But, it takes commitment and time to cope with pain when you feel hopeless.
Here are 5 tips to help you deal with your pain and function:
1. Live in the Moment: Sometimes when you are in an unbelieveable amount of pain, it is difficult to focus on anything else. During these times, do your best to put your imagination to work. Use breathing exercises and try your best to to focus on what is happening now. When you are experiencing days with low pain levels, enjoy things that you can do in your present state. Live in the moment and soak up the good with the bad.
2. Know that Your Emotional and Physical Pain are Connected: You have likely noticed that your emotional and physical pain are connected, do not ignore it. If you are stressed and anxious, then your body may ache more than it already does. You can feel uneasy and drained from emotional anxiety, leading to physical pain. Avoid stressful situations and people, take care of your mind. See a counselor or seek treatment that will help you calm yourself and maintain the stress and anxiety that you might be feeling.
3. Build a Support System: Surround yourself with people who are going to love and encourage you along the way. They do not have to understand everything that you are going through but they need to be a positive aspect in your life. Also, seek to find others that are familiar with what you are feeling. Find an online support group or attend one, meet people who have been and are going through what you are. Having a mix of people supporting you will help keep you well rounded even when in immense pain.
4. Be Honest: Tell those around you what you need and how they can help. Be honest with yourself in knowing that you cannot do everything on your own and be honest with your loved ones so that they can help you. It will make them feel better and it can be bonding for your relationship. Do not always try to play it off like you are okay, sometimes you just need help and that’s perfectly fine.
5. Try to Find the Good: It is so easy to fall into a habit of feeling down and burdened by the constant pain. Although it is alright to be real with yourself and break down every once in awhile, you must not forget the positive things in your life. Be thankful for your loved ones and for another day on this earth. Find the good in your beautiful surroundings and your talents, in the opportunities you have and the amazing things that you have experienced, no matter how small. Focusing on the good can only benefit you and your condition.
These small changes can greatly impact you and give you a hope you never knew you would find. Restoring yourself and choosing to overcome your circumstances can change how you are feeling in a positive way. Try it and see if you can tell a difference!
Recovia is a functional flex-care program that aims to maximize recovery for individuals suffering from chronic pain, injury, or dependency. The mission is to provide a compassionate, comprehensive, cost effective, and individualized functional rehabilitation program. For more information, please contact us at 480-712-4600 or visit our information page.
The advice and information provided herein is for educational purposes only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
