From all of us here at Southwest Spine and Pain Center (SWSP), we wish you a happy and healthy New Year! We hope you’ll consider making a few New Year’s resolutions that coincide with your pain treatment at SWSP. The team of highly qualified pain management specialists understands living with chronic pain is not easy, which is why they’ve dedicated their lives to helping those who suffer from it. Therefore, in addition to setting aside time to reflect on the past year, the team at SWSP wants you to consider combining these New Year’s resolutions with your own.
Use Positive Terminology
When you right down a resolution that starts with “I will not…” you’re brain is less likely to register it and commit to it. With only 8 percent of the general population sticking to their New Year’s resolutions past the month of January, it’s important to remain positive and use positive words to describe your goals for a long-term commitment. Try writing things down that start with an “I will…” or “I strive to…”
Set Realistic Expectations
Think about it. If one of your resolutions is to drop 30 lbs. in three weeks, you’re not being honest with yourself and you’ll probably fail much quicker than you will succeed. The same goes for resolutions that involve chronic pain treatment. Ease into your goals and set realistic expectations. If you want to minimize your pain symptoms, start with a goal of slowly lower your pain medications and trying a new therapy/method once every 3 months. Talk to your Southwest Spine and Pain Center physician about spacing out treatment options.
Stress Less
Yes, life is stressful, and yes, this is probably “easier said than done.” Regardless, it’s important to reflect on the good things you have in life and try not to sweat the small stuff. Stress will only exacerbate your symptoms and increase your risk of developing others like depression, anxiety, insomnia, etc. If you’re feeling stressed all the time, try looking into alternative health practices like yoga or meditation to coincide with your pain treatment. It could not only relax your mind, but also decrease your feelings of pain.
Make a Resolution That Is Important To You
Much like setting realistic expectations with your New Year’s resolutions, it’s equally important you make resolutions that are important to you, and to you only! In order to be successful and accomplish your goals, you have to want it for yourself and be willing to work hard for it! Do not make a resolution to meet the expectations of others. Your opinions and feelings are the only ones that matter, especially when it comes to your pain treatment!
So, what are some of your New Year’s resolutions? Share your ideas with us in the comment section below. We look forward to hearing from you!
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With three locations and growing, 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.
©Southwest Spine and Pain Center, 2014
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