Megsmountain has just shared the importance of choosing a focus other than chronic pain.
We are fortunate to have some choices which may allow us a greater degree of comfort and of joy.
When managing our lives with chronic pain, we want to mindfully focus upon things which close the pain gate.
Peter Moore writes about this in the Pain Toolkit booklets.
He identifies some things which open or close the pain gate when coping with chronic pain.
For example, Peter writes:
"Opens Gate:
Stress
Tension
Anger
Sadness
Worry
Lack of activity
Focusing on pain"
"Closes Gate:
Relaxation / calm
Happiness
Stretching / exercise
Distraction
Some painkillers / medication
Massage / heat / cold*
TENS machine*"
* Cold applications are notoriously not helpful with CRPS. Some find TENS machines also problematic. This list was originally made for generic chronic pain.
I am sure we can each add to these lists.
While I find the Pain Toolkit content quite basic, it encourages a simple, mindful approach to managing our lives in ways which benefit us and also benefit those with whom we share our lives.
Joyful Blessings,
DejaVu