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Living with chronic pain doesn’t just negatively impact your physical body, it can also harm your mental health. Finding tools and strategies to help you function as well as possible and stop pain from controlling your life is essential.  Here are four recommendations:

1. Mind-body exercises and techniques

Deep breathing and meditation are effective ways to spur natural relaxation responses in your body. There are a variety of apps that can help guide you through simple forms of meditation that include focusing on your breathing and ignoring or redirecting negative thoughts that lead to anxiety. This usually involves going to a quiet space where you can concentrate and repeat words or phrases that are affirming to your mind and body and produce healing and restoration.   

2. Find ways to reduce stress

Stress is one of the worst things for your body – and it can make chronic pain even worse. Stress, anxiety, depression, and anger all take a toll on how your body handles pain, and it can slow down recovery and healing. Listen to soothing and calming music that lifts your spirits. Whether it is relational stress between you and a loved one, too much work, or something else that triggers a ‘fight or flight’ response in your body – work on identifying and working through those things so you can relax your muscles and clear your mind.   

3. Move your body

While some medical conditions may limit the amount or type of exercise you’re able to do, it is still important to move your body. Even the simplest movements can bring on natural pain-decreasing endorphins. Maybe it’s a short walk around your neighborhood or through a beautiful Houston city park or venturing to a tai chi class at a local studio.  

4. Don’t isolate yourself

Seek out a support group of people who may be living with similar conditions. Over time, meeting others living with chronic pain can help your mental state and can even help you cope better. Remember, asking for support is a sign of strength and can help you build a village of love around you so when you have dark days, you know who to call.