If pain is part of your daily life, you're not alone and you're not helpless. Millions of people who suffer from arthritis, migraines, fibromyalgia, back pain and other chronic pain conditions live with some level of pain every day. Those who function the best know there are many things they can do to live well and thrive, despite their condition.  We've got five daily habits to help reduce pain and make the best of your challenging situation.

1. Sleep. A good day starts with a good night's sleep. Sleep acts as the body and mind's repair kit. We need both quantity (at least eight to nine hours) and quality (deep and uninterrupted) to wake up refreshed and able to handle whatever our day throws at us. The National Sleep Foundation says, "If sleep is cut short, the body doesn't have time to complete all of the phases needed for muscle repair, memory consolidation and release of hormones regulating growth and appetite." But often, pain makes good sleep difficult. Practice good sleep hygiene techniques like:

  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
  • Have a soothing bedtime routine, regular sleep and wakeup times.
  • Keep your bedroom cool, dark and reserved for sleep and sex only.
  • Dial down the technology, television, stressful reading materials, exercise or any other mentally stimulating activities a couple of hours before bedtime.
  • If you still have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about other ways to achieve good sleep.

2. Exercise. Regular aerobic, strength training, balance and flexibility exercises are key to keeping muscles, bones, nerves and our heart in tip-top condition. It also keeps our joints lubricated, reduces stress hormones, increases endorphins and improves sleep. Schedule it into your daily calendar and make exercise a top priority. 

3. Meditation. Studies show meditation has a powerful effect on our mind's ability to reduce pain. Mindfulness meditation practices (like simple breathing techniques) have been proven particularly effective in training the brain to be more present-focused and spend less time anticipating future negative events. Meditation is also effective at reducing the recurrence of depression, which makes chronic pain considerably worse.

Meditation is easy and appropriate for everyone, regardless of health status, age or religion. There are countless books and websites that teach easy meditation techniques to improve your health and wellbeing immediately.

4. Nutrition. Make every meal an opportunity to nourish your body with everything it needs to heal and thrive.

  • Increase your fruit and vegetable intake.
  • Kick out the junk food.
  • Stock up on whole grains, nuts and seeds, lean proteins and low fat dairy products. 
  • Focus on all the good foods you can eat instead of the foods you shouldn't.
  • Bump up the fun factor by learning new ways to prepare healthy food with new cooking techniques, recipes and foods you've never tried before. 

5. Do something new. Distraction is a powerful tool for reducing pain. People who focus on their pain feel it more intensely while people who keep themselves busy and focused on something else, feel it less. 

  • Start a new hobby.Learning something new like knitting or a new language, activates different parts of the brain than those located in the pain center.  It keeps you engaged, challenged and takes your mind of your pain.
  • Reach out to help someone else. There's no better way to keep your situation in perspective than to help someone in need.  Sign up to help at the local food bank, your church, a local school or some other favorite charity.  It'll keep you busy, connected in your community and give you a chance to give your best to others. 

Sources

Science Daily.com

Meditation Reduces the Emotional Impact of Pain, Study Finds

June 2010

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100602091315.htm

National Sleep Foundation

www.sleepfoundation.org