Living with chronic pain can feel like a daily battle. Psychologist Christoffer Kølgaard shares his best advice on how to create more calm and balance when pain has become a permanent part of life.
Write your way through pain with a diary
Keeping a diary helps you track when pain intensifies or eases. Often, patterns appear that give you valuable insight into your own reactions.
Identify what drains your energy
When you review your week, it becomes clear which activities and situations leave you exhausted – and which ones actually recharge you.
Stop fighting – and accept your reality
Acceptance doesn’t mean giving up. It means acknowledging the circumstances. Once you accept that you have fewer resources than before, it becomes easier to cope with pain.
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Manage your strength like energy tokens
Think of your energy as a limited number of tokens you spend during the week. Plan your days carefully so you don’t run out too soon and crash.
Boost your brain with positive signals
A hug, exercise, or simple joy can trigger serotonin and dopamine. These “feel-good” chemicals can actually reduce the intensity of pain.
Choose gentle movement over strain
Exercise matters – but it shouldn’t worsen the pain. Swimming in warm water or light activity can strengthen your body without overloading it.
Let yoga and Pilates teach you body awareness
Gentle practices help you tune in to your body’s limits and respond before pain takes over. They also improve self-awareness and emotional balance.
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Support your body with healthy habits
Balanced nutrition, regular sleep, and avoiding alcohol and smoking give your body better conditions for handling pain.
Remember: you are more than your pain
When pain dominates, it’s easy to forget your strengths. Write down what you can still do and enjoy – it can reinforce self-esteem and joy in life.
Create meaning – even when it hurts
Life with pain is easier when you focus on meaningful activities and relationships. This foundation gives strength to face the challenges.
This article is based on information from Woman
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