15 Tips For Coping With Chronic Pain | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

15 Tips For Coping With Chronic Pain

Consider picking something off the list and try it

49
15 Tips For Coping With Chronic Pain
scleroderma.org

Anybody who suffers with chronic pain is likely all too familiar with the need to have coping mechanisms. They can help us push through our worst days, and without them many of us would be lost about what to do and how to help ourselves. A lot of times there is nothing we can do to get rid of our pain all together, but many things can help us push through and put us at ease.

Below I have created a list of 15 ways to cope when chronic pain takes over. Not all of these will work for everyone, given that everybody’s situation is a little different, but chances are you can find a few things that may give you a positive outlook next time you’re pushing through a pain flare and are at a loss. Some of these coping mechanisms are directly related to pain itself, while others are related to situations you face when living a life of chronic pain.

1. Create a “bad pain day” playlist full of motivating, soothing songs that you can connect to and will help you relax on those especially bad pain days.

2. Exercise! Despite how hard it can be to get up and moving, exercise can help you keep functioning, and over time can hopefully lower your pain level. Not to mention the feeling that comes from working out is refreshing, to say the least!

3. Start a journal or blog. Getting your feelings out on paper or on the Internet can help the negative energy leave your body and make you feel a bit refreshed and help clear your mind.

4. Pick up the phone and call a fellow sufferer and have a vent session over call or text. Having somebody to talk to who can relate may help you feel less alone.

5. If you don’t have anybody who knows what you’re going through, go online and find a support group and vent there. Support groups are filled with people who are going through exactly what you are and will be there for you with open arms.

6. Rest! This one I can’t stress enough. We are so used to pushing through and fighting, but sometimes rest is exactly what we need. We don’t have superpowers and our bodies need rest to be able to keep going. Listen to your body. Sometimes a relaxing day in bed is exactly what you need!

7. Have some “thinking time” and reflect back to a time when you felt equally helpless and remind yourself that you made it through that time and you can do it again, just for a little motivation.

8. Stop comparing your life to others! This is going to make you beat yourself up and leave you in a state of depression. Instead, tell yourself that your life is different and you are strong enough to live it. Also, sometimes the friendly reminder that everything happens for a reason might put you at peace. I believe God has a plan for you.

9. Cry! What, I’m telling you to cry? Yes, if you are holding in tears you are just contributing to a storm building up in you. Crying is not a sign of weakness. Think of it as a sign of strength. You are allowing yourself to release what has been building up inside you so you can have a fresh start.

10. Communicate! Communication can be key since a lack of communication more often than not leads to added stress, which might ultimately make your pain worse. Whether you must communicate to your employer, teachers, doctors, family, friends, etc., say what you need to. After all, they only know what you tell them and sometimes we think people are mind readers, when in reality they have their own lives to focus on. Once a situation is brought to their attention, you may be surprised by how kind they are about it and how well they handle it.

11. Get out of the house! I know a lot of times when our pain is bad we may prefer to sit in and grieve. Getting out and getting some fresh air, no matter how bad you feel, sometimes helps get your mind off things and serves as a distraction.

12. Speaking of distractions, they are key in coping with chronic pain! Find a hobby you can do and enjoy doing. There are so many different hobbies, so don’t be nervous to try something new; after all, it could be the thing that clears your mind for an hour or so.

13. Delete any source of negative energy from your life. Negative energy means stress and stress is no good for anybody. Do what you need to do to pinpoint causes of negative energy and do whatever it takes to get rid of it. After all, your priority should be helping yourself.

14. You’re an inspiration! Sometimes this reminder is what helps us push through. Be open about your chronic pain to people. Chances are you will leave them inspired, and knowing you are inspiring even just one person can put a smile on your face and motivate you to keep fighting.

15. Take care of yourself. Days are hectic and many of us have close friends and family we want to make happy and do things for. It is so easy to forget to do what is best for ourselves. Remember that your health always should come first.

This list is limited to just some of my favorite ways of coping, but there are many more out there. Next time you’re caught in a funk or your pain leaves you crying in agony, consider picking something off the list and try it. It can’t hurt. Please share your ways of coping in the comments below. I’m sure you can teach me a few things, too!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

5070
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less
Jenna Pizzi and her mom smiling by a waterfront with a historic ship in the background.
Jenna Pizzi

There is always a time in the semester when you have about three papers, four tests, five assignments and two projects due within the same time period. Isn't that just the best?

It's almost as if the professors all plot against you just to make college even more stressful than it already is. No matter how many people try to make you feel better, no one ever compares to your mom. Moms always know exactly what to say.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

7 Jobs Your Roommate Has

She's got your back with everything that college throws at you.

3331
Cristina Yang and Meredith Grey in scrubs sit against a wall, smiling and enjoying a break.

If you are anything like my roommate and I, you have a friendship with your roomie. You’re lucky to have gotten a roommate that is easy to get along with and more importantly cool to live with. Whether you found her on Facebook or went random, a roommate is a big part of life in college. This list goes through some of the jobs that a roommate has that help you get through college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

35 Things I Wish I Learned In My Freshman Year Of College

Just some relatable college student advice! Yes, you aren’t the only one!

2576
Towson University
YouTube

Freshman year can either be the greatest year, or the roughest year. It depends on your transition and how you adjust. For me, freshman year in college was one of the best years of my life. However, looking back, there are a few things that I wish I learned.

Now that I am a sophomore, I can finally do things a little differently. Here are a few things that I wish I learned my freshman year of college!

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments