by April Meyers
www.mindbodyhealthsolution.com

When you’ve been searching for answers for consistent pain, being diagnosed with a chronic condition can be a mixed bag. On one hand, it’s always empowering to be able to put a name to the problem. The chance to find community and the validation that you are not alone in this can give you a lot of strength. On the other, chronic pain is, well, chronic. There’s no one easy fix, and the issue may last the rest of your life. 

However, there are tools you can use to cope. For example, Beyond Hypnosis attests to the power of the mind as a tool for coping with pain. This is just one of the many resources at your disposal. We hope this guide helps you discover a plan that allows you to live your best life and thrive, despite your diagnosis: 

Aligning Your Mind 

Often, you cannot control your pain, but you can control your relationship with it. 

• Turn your home into a relaxing and positive environment. Make it a space that facilitates calm. 
• Look into hypnosis, acupuncture, and other alternative therapies. Many people get a ton of benefits from these practices. 
• Ask your doctor to refer you to a talk therapist. They can give you the tools you can use at home to cope with the anxiety and depression that can come with pain flare-ups. 

Address Your Diet 

Good nutrition is more important when you’re living with thin margins. 

• Many forms of chronic pain respond well to diet changes and, in some cases, the right foods can reduce pain entirely. 
• Work on cutting down on restaurant food – using ingredients you have at home will empower you to know exactly what’s in your food and avoid any dietary pain triggers. 
• Ask your doctor if there are any supplements you should take (or avoid) to manage your pain better. 

Get Moving 

Exercise might seem like an unmanageable trial, but it will make a big difference. 

• Nearly all chronic pain diagnoses are best managed by regular, appropriate exercise. 
• The details will depend on your diagnosis, but generally speaking, you should exercise every day. And don’t push too hard! Listen to your body – slow going is still going. 
• If you’re not sure which exercises are best for you, talk to your doctor or a physical therapist. They can help you learn to recognize your limits and discover the most effective moves. 

Now that you have your diagnosis, it’s time to learn how to develop a healthy relationship with your pain. That may sound counterintuitive, but you deserve to be able to live with your limits without judgment or resentment. Focus on learning how to manage your pain – and your reactions to it – in order to live your best life. 

Looking to foster a deeper connection with your mind and learn how to release pain? Unlock your inner self, relinquish self-destructive habits, and more.