Living with chronic pain can sap your energy. Sometimes it can feel like it takes all you have just to make it through the day, much less get anything productive accomplished.
Finding effective treatment for your pain can help you regain your energy. In addition, the natural approaches listed below can help boost your energy as you cope with pain. Give them a try. You may be surprised at the results.
1. Exercise regularly. It may seem like the last thing you want to do when you’re tried, but exercising can actually help you feel more awake and energetic. It can also product higher levels of a substance called serotonin, which can help you feel better.
2. Set realistic priorities. Reduce the size of your to-do list, or at least put things in the right order, so the most pressing matters get taken care of first.
3. Learn to say no. You are not a bad friend or a bad citizen because you don’t attend every event you’re invited to or volunteer for every cause. You are just being realistic about what your energy levels will allow you to do.
4. Improve your sleep habits. Often people lack energy because they aren’t getting enough sleep at night. Unfortunately, pain can interfere with sleep. Do everything you can to make your nights restful. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Don’t eat a big meal before bed. Turn off your computer, smartphone, TV set, and other devices an hour before bed. Try meditating just before bed.
5. Pace yourself. Take breaks after each task to give yourself time to recharge. Do your most challenging tasks during the time of day when you have the most energy.
6. Get a checkup. Have your thyroid and your iron levels checked. If your body isn’t producing enough thyroid hormone or iron, you may feel exhausted and sluggish.
7. Eat right. Low blood sugar can sap your energy, so snack if you’re hungry. But don’t just grab anything. Make sure you’re eating a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and fruits and vegetables. Avoid sugary treats. While they may give you a quick rush of energy, that will be followed by a rapid drop in energy levels.
8. Drink the right stuff. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Avoid caffeine after 2 p.m. and avoid alcohol. While alcohol can initially make you feel sleepy, it can lead to waking during the night and leave you feeling lousy the next day. A glass of milk or a cup of chamomile tea before bed is a better choice.
9. Treat depression or anxiety. Both often accompany chronic pain and both can interfere with your sleep and your energy levels. If you have symptoms of depression or anxiety, talk to your doctor. Medications and/or therapy can help improve your mood and boost your energy.
If chronic pain is sapping your energy, it’s time to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With multiple locations across the state of Utah, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to. To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.