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Summertime conjures images of family vacations, beach days, watermelon seed-spitting contests, poolside fun, backyard cookouts, and icy popsicles. But it also comes with soaring temperatures and unpredictable weather—factors that can make everyday life more challenging for those living with chronic pain or other ongoing symptoms.
Many people with chronic conditions experience sensitivity to heat and weather changes. These environmental triggers can worsen symptoms or cause flare-ups. While it may seem logical to avoid these situations altogether, doing so can increase sensitivity over time. On the other hand, pushing through without a plan can lead to crashes that disrupt your ability to function for days.
The key? Have a strategy in place. Planning your warm-weather activities thoughtfully can help you enjoy them while minimizing their impact on your health. Whether you're diving into something fun or taking on an outdoor chore, here are a few practical tips to help:
1. Have a Plan—And Stick to It
If you’re working in your garden, know what you want to get done before heading outside. Avoid the temptation to take on “just one more thing”—it can quickly lead to overexertion. Prevention is much easier than recovery.
2. Set Realistic Time Limits
Thinking about a beach day? An all-day outing might be too much. Decide on a timeframe in advance so you can enjoy the experience without overdoing it.
3. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Hot weather and physical activity can quickly dehydrate you. Dehydration not only worsens fatigue but can accelerate a crash. Keep a water bottle nearby and sip regularly—even if you don’t feel thirsty.
4. Prioritize Sun Protection
Use sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and opt for lightweight, breathable clothing. Shade is your friend.
5. Take Breaks Frequently
Rest is a tool, not a weakness. Schedule breaks and take them—even before you feel tired.
6. Vary Your Activities
Mix high- and low-effort tasks to prevent burnout. Switching between activities can help manage energy levels more effectively.
7. Pay Attention to Timing
Early morning or evening hours are typically cooler and more manageable. Avoid peak midday heat when possible.
8. Use the Right Tools
Whether it’s ergonomic gardening tools, a wheeled beach buggy for transporting items or a lightweight backpack for exploring a trail, the right equipment can make a huge difference in comfort and sustainability.
9. Mind Your Body Mechanics
Use proper posture and movement techniques to avoid unnecessary strain. Small changes in how you move can help reduce fatigue and discomfort.
With a little planning and a lot of self-awareness, you can still enjoy all that summer has to offer—even while managing chronic symptoms.
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@tanyaot I really love the phrase, "rest is a tool not a weakness".
Thanks so much for providing these helpful tips and the reminder that a little planning and self-awareness can be a superpower!
Thank you Tanya…Rest is a tool, not a weakness and Time limits! Sounds simple but life changing.
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2 ReactionsI live with nerve pain every single day, and to be quite honest with everyone….you have to learn quickly to overcome the pain. Having a positive attitude helps along with keeping yourself distracted by being busy.
Jerry
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1 ReactionHello Jerry @zper1, it's nice to meet you. Welcome to Connect. These are great words of wisdom.
I couldn't agree more about having a positive attitude (mindset) and seeking distraction. I live with central sensitization syndrome and have felt the difference between what my brain recognizes and focuses on when alone or idle versus distracted, especially joyful or humorous distraction. You know that they say humor is the best medicine.
I'd also throw physical exercise in that mix, too. Do you have any other tips about managing nerve pain that you've learned from your experiences?
Hi Cindy @cindyfri. Welcome! Thanks for chiming in. If you're comfortable sharing, I'd be interested to learn in what ways have you found these tools life-changing?
Greetings again @rwinney
I have plenty of tips for dealing with CRPS as well as nerve pain. My mother was afflicted with Causalgia, otherwise known now as CRPS (Type 2). This neurological disorder of CRPS produces long-lasting, intense pain characterized as burning, electrical jolt-like sensations, pins and needles, and more. I believe that it is an inheritable disease, but there is no definitive proof that it is a genetic component. My mother back in the late 1970s and early 80s, was a bi-annual regular at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. It was the Mayo Clinic that discovered that she had this unique, debilitating syndrome that caused such intense pain. The doctors there recommended a sympathectomy (or regional anesthesia, which she had done. It helped quite a bit to reduce her pain level, but the body adjusts accordingly to unfortunately return the pain after a few years.
CRPS is an affliction that is cloaked in an encompassing state because almost everyone currently involved in defining and treating the condition has little to no understanding of peripheral nerve anatomy. CRPS remains somewhat of a mystery to many medical practitioners.
As far as tips are concerned, there are definitely some worthwhile methods to look into via your pain management doctor. Please keep in mind that most insurances will not approve some methods without trying less invasive methods, such as medication for pain relief or nerve suppression. I have gone through the initial pain-relieving medications like Gabapentin (Neurontin), Pregabalin (Lyrica), and Gralise, which is a formulary drug that is specially made at small pharmacies. The aforementioned pain-relieving drugs weren't possible for me because I required the higher doses of 400 to 600 mg. I could not deal with the hallucinations, the increase in food intake, and the sleep deprivation. The lower doses of these drugs did not relieve any pain for me. I decided to use my brain and focus on the condition with mental prowess by incorporating exercise into my daily regimen. I also forced myself to work out with weights, walk briskly daily, and meditate. The activities helped with keeping me limber, as well as focusing my mind on the good, positive aspects of my life. My family and good, close friends became knowledgeable on the topic of CRPS because I shared with them the details of the condition. When you have chronic pain from any situation, people tend to talk more about their pain, or they are vocal when the pain is moderate to severe to those people around them. The people who listen to the aches and pains begin to ignore them more. For those afflicted, frustration comes into play, and they begin to view themselves as hypochondriacs.
I can post on a myriad of topics in the health field, but it would be good to allow me to post to this site. Let me know if there is a specific contact to inquire about regular postings.
When I first came to PRC I would push myself and then crash. OT taught me to schedule breaks and listen to my body. I had never thought of using a timer, and the little trick of putting one foot up on the ledge to help with my posture and fatigue. I now use a planner so I’m not trying to do everything in one day.
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