3 WAYS OF GETTING THROUGH THE DAY WITH CHRONIC PAIN

3 WAYS OF GETTING THROUGH THE DAY WITH CHRONIC PAIN

Maria Aloysius -6th March, 2023

Chronic pain and illnesses are no walk in the park and dealing with them on a daily basis, every single minute or hour may seem like an eternity. Throughout the years, I have learned to develop ways and coping techniques to help me manage pain and move forward. Here are my 3 ways of getting through the day. 

1. Talking to someone who can empathize 

    It isn't easy to suffer alone in pain all day. I recommend talking with loved ones or even friends. It can be a tremendous help. Open up and tell someone your feelings or even your pain levels. Words of encouragement and affirmation from others are a blessing. Remember you are not alone. There are support groups, friends, family or even some doctors who will empathize with you. 

        However, you still need to choose who you speak to wisely. Some people just don't relate and don't want to listen. Understand that not many get what you're going through. Blogs on chronic illnesses and pain have helped me to cope and manage pain. Learn to express and regulate your emotions. Don't suppress your emotions! 

2. Rest, rest and rest!

    Like it or not, your body speaks. Trust me, all day, everyday. If your body is speaking, then you should be listening to it. Listen to your body! There are days when my mind will say 'Go for a swim!' but my body will say 'Rest, please. I don't want to suffer with flare ups!'. Take time to rest, even if you want to push yourself to do something else. A little rest goes a long, long, long way. The question that needs to be asked is 'Am I willing to risk high inflammation?' or 'Am I better at preventing it?'

3. Gratitude and focusing on the present

      Focusing on the present is a must. Little achievements matters. I take one day at a time. If my only achievement of the day is resting or washing my hair or cooking a simple meal or making a fast sandwich, I tell myself 'It is enough!'. Congratulate yourself for doing even the littlest of things. You did it! 

        Start a gratitude journal. You can write down daily accomplishments or even weekly or monthly ones. At the end of each month, read all your achievements and be grateful. It not always easy to be grateful when you have pain, but making this a practice will automatically re-program your brain to think this way. A healthy mind and mindset helps with alleviating stress and helps you manage chronic pain. Just because your body is in pain, it doesn't directly mean that your mind has suffer too. Be gentle with yourself. This practice may take time but you can do it !

LASTLY REMEMBER PAIN IS REAL, BUT SO IS HOPE!