OCD/Anxiety
 

Aside from stress excacerbating all of my medical issues there is also the problem of focus.

I have OCD/Anxiety and hypochondriac issues and man does it ever play a part in my symptoms. The problem is focus. The more I focus on the symptoms the more severe they get and the more I focus. It is what you call a "vicious cycle".

Anyone esle have this problem with focus and notice that when your mind is distracted from your symptoms the symptoms improve?

Absolutely, focus has a huge impact on your symptoms. One of the best pain medications is distraction! So, just as your symptoms increase when you pay attention to them, they will subside when you are focused on something else. Therefore, make a plan to have things to distract your attention away from your pain. Find projects to keep your mind on something else. It doesn't have to be physical activity (which could exasperate pain later), but anything that diverts your thoughts. Currently, I'm reorganizing my recipe book...a perfect quiet activity that takes my mind off my pain for several hours. Organizing photos is another good quiet project. Reading or watching a movie also works wonders.

So take that 'vicious cycle' and reverse the direction into a positive cycle of pain relief.

I strongly agree with En_bloc!

Keep yourself busy
Have a regular schedule every day
Find something that you are passionate about
Keep taking your meds if you are on any
Eat well
Keep a regular sleep schedule
Stay away from stimulants like caffeine