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It seems these days there’s no shortage of troubling news out there, and many among us are feeling more stressed out than usual as a result of current events.
It’s not uncommon to be affected mentally and emotionally by an abundance of external interference; too many worries and disruptions to normal daily living can wear on a person after a while.
The resulting stress and anxiety can also take it’s toll on the body in many ways, particularly if you’re living with a chronic pain condition. Physical suffering combined with mental strain can be debilitating; the added intensity may result in increased pain symptoms.
Now, more than ever, it’s critical to find respite from the overwhelm of current events… (aka, bad news).
While it may sometimes seem hard to turn away, (and we do need to be kept updated about important events or alerts,) the key is not to become so immersed in the chaos of news & media that we reach a point of over-saturation. This only increases stress and generates negativity in the reader/viewer, which in turn intensifies any pain symptoms that are already present.
The good news is that news isn’t all bad, (even if the latter may seem a little more prevalent sometimes.) Here are a few ways to help ‘level the playing field’ by absorbing positivity that may help to offset the ill effects and elevated discomfort of constant negative press:
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Just say “no comment”.
With so many subjects being discussed on the internet, it’s best to avoid the ‘rabbit’ hole of reading through social media comments posted on controversial topics. Diving into the mix can trigger stress hormones and lead to frustration, negativity and sometimes even regret, when words are posted in the throes of anger.
Steering clear of heated discussions can help prevent any unnecessary anxiety and negativity that may result in intensified pain symptoms.
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Seek out the good.
Fortunately, there are many heartwarming stories and positive topics to be found, if only we take a moment to look for them. The internet makes it pretty easy to find happy, informative and interesting subjects with just a few clicks. Here are some ideas:
Google “good news” and you’ll find no shortage of exactly that; take your pick from sites such as Readers Digest’s “Good News Stories from Around the Word to Brighten Your Day.” (Just the title alone sounds uplifting, right?)
b. Educate yourself on topics of personal interest by exploring online information pages, tutorials, or joining forums specifically dedicated to your desired subject. Learning new things not only provides distraction from day-to-day troubles, it also generates a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction.
c. Shift your perspective and engage in daily mindfulness and gratitude by bookmarking websites containing inspirational quotes, uplifting music, or thought-provoking poetry. Whatever moves you in a positive direction, do more of that.
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Pull the plug.
Sometimes it’s good to simply walk away from the ‘noise’ of daily news and events altogether. While it’s never advised to keep one’s head perpetually buried in the sand, that doesn’t mean it isn’t important to push everything aside once in a while and spend time on nourishment for the soul.
This may mean getting out to enjoy nature, taking a luxurious bubble bath, or even as simple just turning off the TV and computer. Whatever you do, try to step away from it all now and then for a more refreshed, positive outlook.
If you live with chronic pain, try to find ways to avoid the negative and invite positivity into your life. Every individual has their own unique ways to find joy; find what makes you happy and avoid those elements that drag you down. You’ll soon find yourself feeling less stress, and likely less pain, thanks to an overall greater feeling of well-being.
Chronic Pain is Bad News
At Florida Pain Relief Centers, we understand the cycle of pain and the impact it can have on emotional, mental and physical aspects of life. If you suffer with chronic pain, our skilled pain management physicians can work with you to address all aspects of your individual condition(s) to help determine the most effective ways to relieve your symptoms.
We want to help you enjoy a better quality of life. Call Florida Pain Relief Centers today at 800.215.0029 to schedule a consultation, or click the button below to set up an appointment online at one of our clinic locations:
