How to deal with physical pain

How to deal with physical pain

1. Get suitable medical help

2. Be vigilant on the stories running through your head that DO NOT HELP

For example;

‘Why did I do that thing that led to this pain’ (Regret)

‘I/another should not have x, y and z …’ (Blame)

‘This pain is never going away’ (Despondency)

‘The rest of my life is going to be like this’ (Depression)

‘Is there any point in my life if this pain is going to continue like this’ (Despair)

Most of the above add a layer of emotional pain to the existing layer of physical pain

Instead, two options are available:

1. Put your attention on the pain. No need to concentrate on it. Just attention to the physical sensation. If the mind wanders off, easily bring it back. This simple technique can cut short the tendency to get lost in ‘catastrophising’

2. Reframe the negative (bad feeling) stories. Finding alternative narratives that are true or truer and DO NOT feel as stressful

This is a test of one’s creativity

For example:

‘The rest of my life is going to be like this’ – is a prediction that may or may not be true

Does it serve you?

A truer statement that reflects reality is:

‘My life right now is like this’

Does this feel less depressive?

Good luck, and be kind to yourself

When I was feeling confused and lost in the world, I needed hope, autonomy, and understanding. These daily snippets are for that young human struggling in the challenging game of life.

They should take you 30 seconds to read!

If you want some synchronous real-time connection, head to my site: https://www.markheath.co