1. Get regular physical activity

Regular physical activity can improve your mood, decrease pain, improve muscle strength, and help with balance. Start slow and add a little activity each day.  Remember, you can do a structured exercise, such as a class or walking group, or you can incorporate more activity into your day by taking the stairs or parking further away from the store.

2. Manage your stress

Life can be very stressful, and too much stress can make your pain worse. Using relaxation techniques like deep breathing or guided imagery can help reduce the effect of stress on your body. You also learned a problem-solving process that can help you address some of the things in your life that are sources of stress.

3. Get a good night’s rest

Poor sleep can make your pain worse. Make sleep a priority so you can feel your best. 

4. Partner with your provider

It is important that you get what you want and need out of your healthcare. Writing down questions, taking a support person, and writing a summary of your visit are great ways to get the most out of your healthcare.

My Letter to Pain initiative 

The purpose of the My Letter to Pain initiative is to highlight and increase understanding of the different experiences of pain, told from the lived experience of pain perspective. To accomplish this goal the Global Alliance of Partners for Pain Advocacy (GAPPA) are inviting people living with pain to submit their stories/letters about pain. It is our hope that collecting and highlighting stories of pain will: 

• Provide individuals the opportunity to tell their story and express their feelings freely and openly

• Lead to greater communication between individuals and groups across the pain community

• Identify directions for future programming and communication efforts