How Mindfulness Can Help With Chronic Pain
Whether you have a deadline to meet, an appointment to book, or simply remember to pick up bread on the way home, we are all guilty of succumbing to the pressures of a never-ending to-do list.
Our fast-paced and demanding lifestyles mean we tend to put the majority of our thoughts to the back of our minds. However, when we are not able to recognise the relevance or influence of individual thoughts they can filter into the physical body as muscle tension or inflammation, which is why I recommend the practice of mindfulness.
Mindfulness is the practice of becoming aware of yourself in the present moment, enabling you to identify how you feel inside and out. With this mind-body approach, you can clear your mind of negativity and unnecessary strains and ultimately, help against physical aches and pains.
It allows you to understand your pain and teaches you how to let go of any anxiety associated with it, as these thoughts can contribute to increased tension, forming a vicious cycle of increasing pain.
As well as stress and chronic pain, mindfulness can help combat anxiety, sleep, and eating disorders. Mindfulness increases positivity and energy levels which encourage healthier life decisions, improving your overall sense of wellbeing. So not only are you likely to make better food choices but you should be able to finally relax when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep too.
I recommend you simply take 10 minutes out of your day to practice mindfulness, by working on five basic tips.
- Sit comfortably and relax
- Focus on your breath
- From your head to toes, bring awareness to each body part
- Identify any sounds or smells and let them pass
- Acknowledge and accept how you feel emotionally