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Everyday Helpful Tips
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Use your time wisely, prioritize your most important activities, and let go of the rest.
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Get more organized (e.g., make “to do” lists).
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Do everything in moderation (e.g., avoid overdoing or underdoing, break apart lengthy tasks, alternate activities that require a lot of effort with those that require little effort, pace yourself, rest periodically). Pushing yourself to exhaustion can increase pain and recovery time.
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Change how you do things, look for new ways to perform everyday tasks, use devices to help, and seek help when you have more to do than you can handle.
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Maintain body mechanics and move your body wisely.
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An Occupational Therapy and/or Physical Therapy consultation for adaptive equipment, energy conservation, proper body mechanics, and physical conditioning may be beneficial.
Deal with Negative Emotions Related to Chronic Pain
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Acknowledge what you have lost, such as your health, your independence, your ability to pursue hobbies, etc.
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Grief is a normal response to loss. People experience a whole range of emotions when they grieve: depression, anger, guilt and shame and denial. Through grief, individuals hopefully learn to accept their pain and the necessity of adapting to it.
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Manage your anger, but don’t bottle it up either. Symptoms such as increased tension in the neck and shoulders and clenched teeth can cue you that your anger is increasing.
Practice Positive Thinking
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Negative attitudes can cause stress and lead to feeling out of control, being a victim, and feeling deflated.
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Positive self-talk is the way to deal with negative emotions and manage stress.
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Challenge your expectations by being flexible about how your life is now and switch your focus on what you CAN do instead of what you can’t do.
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Learn to assert yourself without being hurtful to others, say no, and speak up for what you feel, want, or need.
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Look for ways to boost your self esteem.
Manage Stress
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Make positive lifestyle changes, such as exercise regularly, get adequate sleep, eat a balanced diet, seek support of family and friends, quit smoking, address spiritual needs, engage in pleasurable activities, and gain relief through relaxation.
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Try mind-body techniques that reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being, such as biofeedback, hypnosis, meditation, yoga, music, dance, art therapy, massage, acupuncture, TENS, and Tai-chi.
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