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SMART Goals and Chronic Pain: What are your goals?
How often do you think you can't do something because of pain?
I struggled with this because I set unrealistic expectations. I based my expectations on what I used to be prior to living in chronic pain. That was my A life; overachiever, perfectionist, multitasker. During the onset of chronic pain, and time of instability, denial and confusion, I lived my B life. Presently, I'm doing my best and living my C life which is stable, moderate and flexible. Learning how to use SMART goals helped me attain direction in my C life and gave organization to guide me towards succeeding and appreciating my small wins.
How have you helped to manage chronic pain using SMART goals? What have your small but satisfying wins been?
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What altitude are you flying your attitude? Thanks for the kudos Sue! Frankly, mine goes up and down, and over the Mountain sometimes- so far, no crash landings i haven't survived! Today, I switched it up- pleasure principle first, have to do's later... I'll let ya know how that goes. The sheer tedium of pain, calls for a few positive changes in my routine.
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3 ReactionsP.S. Having used essential oils, herbal teas and many "naturally occuring" supplemental foods and tonics for over 30 years (personally, and with clients), and witnessing the often, profound effects of natures cure, that assist the body with detoxifying, stress and pain relief; I can say with confidence that it may be worth trying. Many of these are nervines (St. Johns Wort, Valerian esp.) which, do not pair well with anti- depressants, so be careful and always check with an M.D.. A diffuser, a cotton ball dabbed with a fav scent, either thrown in the dryer with your pillow case, or snuggled inside for deeper sleep helps. Some citrus scents are uplifting, other oils invigorating, bring clarity and diminish sensations of pain, in some people. As we know clove oil remedies a tooth ache, so as a eucalyptus steam clears the sinuses (don't open your eyes!).
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1 ReactionIf you have pets, get advice before you use essential oil scents. Dogs and cats can be made quite ill with some.
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2 ReactionsLife can certainly be a struggle, but as you say, just sitting may feel good for a while, but ultimately getting up and moving generally has more positive benefits. Even though it can be painful, I enjoy walking every day as it helps me stay positive and reach a daily goal.
Keep being strong and overcoming that feeling of hopelessness!
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4 ReactionsI have done this sort of thing on my own for some time now. My one disappointment is that I cannot get out and walk. I was on steroids for vasculitis for 5 1/2 years before they determined I didn't have it! The damage from the steroids includes diabetes, osteopenia, spinal stenosis, tooth damage, weakened muscles, bones, tendons (torn tendon that cannot be repaired because it would just tear out again), and more. I am gaining weight due to inactivity. I am doing more that I was two years ago. I work around the house (dishes, cleaning, etc), but cannot stay on my feet more than 5-10 minutes. I wanted to get a back brace that would support the spinal stenosis and lumbar pain I experience, but have been advised against it by my doctor. I would use it only to get out and walk - the 5 minutes would be a good starting point for me. They want to inject my back but they want to use steroids. After a lot of long hard thought I decided I have enough damage from steroids. I have decided to learn to live with it, which I am doing (plus my husband had his back injected and ended up with arachnoiditis - don't want to add to my problems). My only other goal is to do some walking. Distraction is a help. I am an author, I knit and crochet, I read, but these all add to my sedentary lifestyle, which I am trying to change. I am gaining - I was doing nothing 2 years ago. If I could just get out and walk some, I could accept the rest. I may go ahead and get that back brace anyway - it's not like I would be wearing it 100% of the time.
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1 ReactionThank you. I no longer use my diffuser for this reason.
Hi Janie - It sure is tough when activities we used to take for granted are "out of reach."
When I was rehabbing from surgery (several times), walking was one of the things I missed the most. To get started, at first I would just walk to the mailbox & back (probably 150-200 feet) and just kept adding a little every few days until I was finally back on track. By the time I could walk our entire cul de sac, my neighbors had taken notice and were cheering my progress!
With your bone and spine issues, long walks may be permanently off your list, but do you think a couple of short strolls each day are doable? Do you live in a house, or an apartment?
Sue
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3 ReactionsI too skip the diffuser - we have no pets, but there are often children and people with allergies in our home. It is also hard to keep them clean enough to be sure they don't spread bacteria, and I have bad lungs.
Sue
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1 ReactionI do walk to the mailbox and back. It is probably 100' and then I go down the road to a tree on our yard. Not far but a beginning.
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2 ReactionsThat's a good start. Next maybe twice a day, or to the next tree down the way?
Sue
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