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Stress and Chronic Pain : Living With Chronic Pain
Last updated date : February 24, 2023
People cope with chronic pain in many ways. Some ways are helpful whereas some may also cause stress. Some people try to push themselves through pain. They also refuse to “let the pain win.” This means you end up feeling stressed. You also feel worse because you cannot do much and do not like to rest. They tend to follow the motto “no pain, no gain.” This makes you feel frustrated with your pain and you feel like you are worthless.
“Quick online learning, thanks!” Susan
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- Educational Content
- Quizzes
- Self-reflection material
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- Worksheet, tips & tools to use
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Chapter 1:
The Cycle of Stress and Chronic Pain​
Chapter 2:
Coping With Stress and Chronic Pain : Breathing Exercise​
- You can do it standing, sitting in a chair with back support, on your bed or the floor.
- Be as comfortable as you can.
- You can wear loose clothes if that makes you feel comfortable.
- If you’re lying down on your bed or yoga mat, you can place your arms a little away from your body and keep the palms facing up. Keep your legs or bend your knees so your feet are flat on the floor.
- If you’re sitting on a chair, then place you can place your arms on the arm rest.
- Keep both your feet flat and hip-width apart on the ground if you are sleeping or standing.
How to Do It
- First, allow your breath to reach deep into your belly. Do not force it.
- Inhale from your nose and exhale from your mouth.
- Breathe in gently and regularly. If you are okay, you can count from 1 to 5. Initially, it is okay if you cannot reach till number 5.
- Then, let your breath flow out gently. Do not pause or hold your breath. You can count from one to five again.
- Keep doing this for three to five minutes.
Chapter 3:
Tips for Coping with Stress and Chronic Pain​
- Stay Active –Â Do not let pain take over your life. Keep yourself active.
- Stretch and Practice Good Posture – Try full body stretches, gentle yoga for about 10 to 15 minutes daily.
- Take Control –. There’s a solution to any problem. Taking control of your problem helps you plan and find a solution.
- Know Your Limits –Â Be active but know your physical limitations. Make a plan with activities that you are comfortable doing with your pain.
- Exercise –Â Stay healthy with low-impact exercise. For example, yoga or walking.
- Interact –Â Call a family member or talk to people. With greater social support you will feel less sad or anxious.
- Distract –Â Distract your mind from the pain. For example, watch a movie or take a walk.
- Take Medications Carefully –Â If you take medications then take them on time and as told by your doctor.
- Maintain a Positive Outlook – Living with chronic pain is hard. Be more positive and also try to find solutions.
- Schedule Enjoyable Activities – Taking part in enjoyable activities. This also helps to decrease the effects of chronic pain and stress.
- Monitor Your Pain and Tasks Daily – Keep a book to note your ‘pain score’ on a scale of 1-10. This will help to track your pain. You can also note what activities you did throughout the day.|
- Get the Sleep You Need – Poor sleep often can worsen the pain. Good sleep practices can improve your sleep and also make you feel relaxed.
Chapter 4:
Some More Tips​
- Avoid Unhealthy Habits – Don’t use alcohol, smoking and caffeine as your ways of coping. This might give temporary relief but the problems will not disappear.
- Help Other People – Helping others or volunteering can make you more resilient. It also helps you to look at your pain positively.
- Massage – Massaging your body is also helpful. It helps to relax and reduce tension in your body. It also helps deal with pain and feel better.
- Eat a Healthy Diet –. A well-balanced diet is important. It also helps you to keep your body vitals under control. You can eat a low-fat and low-sodium diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables, milk and yoghurt can also be added to your meal.
Chapter 5:
Bottom Line​
At Epsychonline, we have designed courses for managing chronic pain. Enrol for a course on our website to know more about how to deal with stress and chronic pain.
"Quick online learning, thanks!" Susan
92 sections
6-Weeks Self-Paced
- Educational Content
- Quizzes
- Self-reflection material
- Suggestions & feedback
- Worksheet, tips & tools to use
$9.00
$12.00
25% discount