Pain is a B*TCH!
Whether you’re dealing with the occasional headache or a chronic condition, pain can be a real pain in the you-know-what.
You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand that pain is NOT just physical.
Our thoughts and emotions can make it worse. This is why it’s essential to tackle both the physical and mental aspects of pain management.
As some of you may know, my happiest place is when I am playing tennis or pickleball. However, I am frequently side-lined for months at a time due to one uncooperative (aka injured) body part or another.
So, I am no stranger to pain management and the psychological rollercoaster that comes with it.
While it is always important to seek medical advice for an acute injury or chronic pain, we can also help heal ourselves! Here are some of my favorite hacks for pain management:
1. Mindful Meditation: While you can just sit, breathe, and focus on the present moment, I recommend guided (healing) meditations. Guided meditations are available on YouTube and apps like Calm, Insight Timer, Peloton, and so many others.
2. Exercise: No one is suggesting that you need to become a marathon runner. Simple activities like walking, swimming, or just gentle stretching can release endorphins. Endorphins are natural painkillers.
3. Heat or Cold therapy: Ice is best for acute injury, but both are helpful in pain management. Cold is great for numbing the pain. Heat is a wonderful way to relax the muscles and create a greater sense of calm in your body.
4. Distractions: Watching a funny movie. Reading a great book. Listening to music. Taking your mind off the pain is one way to break the pain cycle and help facilitate the healing process.
5. Positive Self-Talk: Affirmations are medicinal, here are some examples:
“I trust in my body’s ability to heal and recover.”
“I am open to receiving the healing energy of the universe.”
“I am worthy of love and healing, and I allow it to flow into my life.”
Remember, pain management is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It may take some trial and error to find the strategies that work best for you.
If you are currently struggling with pain, and are looking to manage it beyond medication, let’s chat. Send me a note or schedule a conversation with me by clicking here.
With love,
Jackie
