5 Tips to Cope with Chronic Pain and Fatigue

Day after day, you're in pain.

Your friends, family, and co-workers don't seem to understand what you're going through. You don't blame them. How could they? Sure, from the outside in, everything seems fine. You try to keep it to yourself for the most part. You don't want to seem weak or like you're complaining all the time, but no matter what you do, you feel this way. If only they could see what you're dealing with, how you're feeling, and the pain that you experience on a daily basis.

You feel like you have no one to turn to. You're running out of people to talk to or things to help you.

Here are 5 tips to cope with chronic pain and fatigue.

1. Try Deep Breathing

Try to incorporate relaxation techniques like deep breathing. This is a great and easy way to help you reduce the pain you're experiencing. You may be feeling extremely tight and tense, so deep breathing can help to relax those muscles as well as help to block any distracting or negative thoughts and emotions.

2. Exercise

Exercise is a great way to boost your body's natural endorphins. Your exercise doesn't have to mean lifting 1,000 lbs or running a marathon. Move your body in the best way that works for you. Implementing gentle exercises like walking around your neighborhood, riding a bicycle, or practicing yoga can be exactly what your body needs to improve the pain you're experiencing as well as reduce any stress or anxiety you may be feeling.

3. Fuel Your Body

A lot of chronic pain is caused by inflammation. Inflammation can come from an inadequate diet. Try to focus on fueling your body with healthy and well-balanced meals. Aim to eat enough protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Make sure you're limiting alcohol and sugar as well. Fueling your body properly will help you feel better from the inside out.

4. Prioritize Your Sleep

Everyone needs sleep, especially those who deal with chronic pain and fatigue. Sleep is essential for the body to rest and recover so you have enough energy to get through your day.

I know what you're thinking, "How do you expect me to prioritize my sleep when I have chronic pain?" You may be experiencing difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. This obviously makes it a bit more difficult to prioritize your sleep. That being said, there are still ways you can do this.

Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends. This is a great way to put your body on a sleep schedule and routine so it will naturally get tired or wake up when you want it to. You can also work to make your room as comfortable as possible. Treat yourself to new bedding, make sure your room is at a good temperature, and remove any distractions like your phone or television.

5. Seek Additional Support

Living with chronic pain and fatigue can make you feel like you're alone or the odd one out, especially among your family and friend group. Despite feeling that way, you're not alone, and you don't have to try to figure this out on your own either. Help is available to you.

Your mental health is extremely important. If you don't feel like any of your family or friends can relate to you, try reaching out to an unbiased third party like a therapist. Therapy can be a great open, safe, and judgment-free area for you to express how you're feeling inside and out.

Plus, a therapist will be able to work with you to determine a treatment plan and coping mechanisms you can try out in the future. Reach out to me today to set up an online therapy consultation for chronic pain.