Pain is enough to keep anyone down, often making you feel like there is nothing that will take your mind off of it or let you forget it for even a minute. Sometimes, a small distraction from the pain is all you need. Here are a few ideas that may help:
Laughter: They say that laughter is the best medicine. Surround yourself with people who make you smile and laugh. Keep conversations lighthearted and fun, creating a positive form of distraction. If you can't always have people around, or if you find yourself alone during work hours or late nights, turn on a funny movie. Comedy films and television shows can be a great way to distract you from the pain right in your own home. Maybe even read a funny book! Try your best to engage in things that make you laugh. Laughter can release feel-good brain chemicals that relieve pain, which can activate endorphins and relieve muscular tension.
Hobbies: Finding new hobbies can be tough, but this is a great opportunity to explore low impact activities that you may have never tried. Not to mention, they help pass some of those more boring and painful days. Grab your guitar and learn a new song, paint on a canvas or read a new book, garden outside if you need the fresh air, or even explore a puzzle or book on tape. Any of these activities are low impact and can help you find new passions to distract from the painful days.
Relaxation and Visualization: It may surprise you, but something as simple as closing your eyes and focusing on your breathing can help bring your body and mind to a more calm state. Taking deep breaths and regulating your breathing patterns may provide a new coping tool. In addition, visualization can be a distraction of the mind. If you are lying on the couch, close your eyes and picture that you are somewhere else, on that dream vacation or even a place you were before your pain. By practicing both your breathing and visualization daily, you can have methods to turn to during those painful times.
Stay Fit and Remain Healthy: Place your focus on helping your body. Incorporate small exercise routines, such as walking for ten minutes or swimming in the pool. Find out what your body can handle and then do it, just be sure not to overdo it. If you like to cook, consider exploring healthy recipes. If standing in the kitchen increases pain, pull a chair up to your counter or make dinner in a more comfortable place. Incorporating healthy recipes into your diet will not only help you physically, but the act of cooking can also help mentally.
Try some of these ideas and see if you feel a difference in your day-to-day aches and pains. These activities may help you significantly and give you the endurance to make it through your [painful days. Not only will you be able to tolerate the pain more, but you may actually enjoy yourself too!
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.
