1. Pursue Hobbies and Daily Activities
It is a daily challenge to live with a chronic condition like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and it's easy to lose interest in hobbies and activities you used to enjoy. To keep yourself from being ruled by your pain, make a daily list of things you'd like to accomplish. Include a balance of tasks, leisure activities and visits with friends and family. Take a second look at your list, prioritizing things that must get done and things that can wait. Having a schedule to follow helps you keep your focus on the next to-do item, providing distraction from your pain and frustration. In addition, checking off the items on your list can be a rewarding reminder of what you've accomplished--despite your pain.
Remember, it's not a race. Build more relaxation into high-pain days, accepting that most things can wait until tomorrow. When they can't wait, use your delegation skills. Many of your friends and family members will take joy in lending their support and helping you whittle down your list of tasks.
2. Rely on Your Support Network
It's important to learn to lean on loved ones if you suffer from a chronic condition like CRPS. Battle the temptation to "go it alone" by keeping your pain, frustration, anger and sadness to yourself. Share your feelings with someone you love, allow yourself room to grieve, and move on without dwelling on the pain and negativity. Friends and family members can provide you with love and support, but they can also distract you with conversation, coffee, card games or movies.
In addition to enjoying your time with loved ones, ask for help when you need it. If you feel like you're burdening them, commit to return the favor when you're up to it. Allow your best friend to vacuum your house and clean the bathrooms while you pick up her son at day care.
3. Learn to Manage Your Fatigue
Although it's healthy to pursue daily activities when you have CRPS, remember to pace yourself. Tasks may take longer, and you may need to rest frequently before moving on to something else. Your goal is to balance productivity with downtime, engaging in daily living while giving your body adequate time to rest.
If you're experiencing a high-pain day, it may be time to stay in your pajamas, watch movies and take a nap. Remember, however, that your body will become deconditioned if you avoid all activity, so make it a goal to pursue normal tasks and leisure when you're able.
4. Turn to Meditation and Spirituality
Meditation and spirituality can play a significant role in your pain AND attitude management. Through prayer, reading, deep breathing and mindful relaxation, you increase your brain's alpha waves, resulting in a calm sense of well-being. Whether you're using meditation as a chance to connect with a higher power or seeking a method of stress-reduction, it's important to disengage from your pain, creating a restful state for your body and mind or turning your pain over to a higher power.
Begin by finding a quiet, comfortable spot and breathe deeply. Observe your breaths, mentally counting them as you inhale and exhale 10 times. Start again, practicing the exercise until your pain focus has shifted and you're filled with calmness. It's normal for your mind to wander, reminding you of your discomfort. Continue to practice this breathing exercise until you're able to let go of your pain and be mindfully relaxed. If you'd prefer to use meditation to focus on your spiritual health, follow your breathing exercises with religious readings, devotions or prayer.
