Chronic pain should never keep you from enjoying life’s more idyllic moments and here in New Jersey, summer is to be prized (as it lasts but a moment).
Pain can be oppressive. So, it’s important that you insist on deriving optimal enjoyment from the warm weather months.
Being afraid to go outside is not unusual for people in pain but it’s also self-defeating. Elevating your mood by counting yourself in to summer activities is a strategy that you should apply to feel more like yourself.
Let’s look at some effective ways to manage chronic pain and enjoy summer. It doesn’t last long, so think ahead and get the maximum bang for your summer buck!
Be a Water Baby
The buoyant, embracing quality of water reminds us of our earliest human experience – life in the womb. While that may sound unduly spiritual, it’s true! Being in the water liberates our bodies to float and feel supported, effortlessly.
Plan to be near water this summer. Lakes, rivers and pool parties are all great places to indulge in this summer activity to feel your best and forget about the pain for a pleasant moment.
Plan for the Heat
If your pain is caused by nerves, then you won’t want to experience the heat of the sun at its worst. That’s why it’s important to plan for it, so you can work around it.
Your activities should be scheduled for the cooler early morning hours, or at dusk for maximum comfort. And dress for the heat, wearing comfortable, well-ventilated footwear and loose, flowing clothing. Don’t forget to wear a hat to keep the sun off you, too.
Bring Your Own Chair
We all have pleasant summertime memories of stretching out on the grass or sitting in the bleachers to take in a ballgame. But casual seating like this can be rough on people with chronic pain. Hard and unforgiving, with no back support, it just doesn’t work.
So, treat yourself to a portable chair that you can fold up and throw in the trunk of the car. Throw a couple of cushions in there, too and enjoy the park, game or concert for as long as you like, in complete comfort.
Eat the Good Stuff
More than anyone else (possibly) chronic pain sufferers need to be aware of their nutritional needs. And what better time to model excellent eating habits than during the bountiful summer?
Now’s the time to indulge in the best the earth has to offer, with fresh fruit and vegetables at every turn. And please – say “yes” to that gelato. It’s summer. You love it. Treat yourself. Gelato is a dairy product containing calcium, so yes. It has benefits that far outweigh the indulgence.
When in season, red cherries have anti-inflammatory properties that make them a delicious treat which does chronic pain sufferers good. Eat them with abandon!
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