Self Care and Wellness
Practicing self care can help individuals with chronic pain combat stress, improve emotional health, and maximize treatment outcomes. Self care looks different for everyone, so explore options to find what is most helpful and applicable for you.
Exercise
Exercise can help reduce pain by stimulating responses throughout the body which release chemicals in the brain, muscles, and immune system that can help block pain signals. Exercise can also improve how the body functions by bettering mental wellness, increasing energy, and combating other medical conditions. When choosing exercises, it may be a good idea to consult with your doctor to discuss which types of exercise are right for you.
Some examples of exercise for pain relief can include….
- Gentle stretching
- Walking (start slow as your body allows)
- Yoga and Tai Chi
- Swimming or aquatic exercise, which can decrease the impact on joints
Nutrition
Nutrition can play an important role in pain management. Studies show that foods high in antioxidants can reduce inflammation, promote healing, and may reduce pain. A wholesome diet promotes overall wellness, and may reduce the impacts of other health conditions that may worsen existing pain. Good nutrition can also have a positive effect on the quality of sleep and exercise, improving the relative benefits of both.
Sleep
Sleep is an important tool for healing the body by reducing inflammation, relaxing muscles, and promoting overall recovery. However, many chronic pain patients can experience disrupted sleep due to pain. Prioritizing sleep, practicing good sleep hygiene, and learning about methods to improve your sleep quality can be important to your overall health.
Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness can focus the mind and body and help to address chronic pain issues. Focusing on thoughts and how one’s body is physically responding to pain may help those with chronic pain relax and shift the perception of the pain they may be experiencing. Mindfulness has also been shown to help reduce symptoms of many co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
SRHN does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Prior to starting any medication or treatment plan always consult a medical doctor or other qualified healthcare provider regarding questions that you may have about any past, present, or suspected medical conditions and how those medical conditions may be impacted by starting any medication or treatment plan. Never disregard professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the SRHN Website.