Coping with chronic pain can be a huge roadblock when it comes to feeling comfortable in your own skin. It’s a physically exhausting and psychologically stressful situation that often leads to frustration. When your chronic pain isn’t kept in check, this frustration can start affecting your relationships, your ability to work, and your overall health.

Chronic pain greatly impacts your lifestyle and it might feel like you can never find relief. Here are some of the best ways that you can ease your symptoms and feel more comfortable when you’re dealing with chronic pain.

Get exercise

Physical therapy, daily stretching, and low-impact exercises are great ways to stay healthy and help mitigate chronic pain. Of course, this might not necessarily help people who have skeletal problems or joint issues. However, light exercises that don’t put a strain on the body will still help your health overall. That’s why it’s recommended that these individuals invest in pool exercises. You’ll get exercise and pools have been shown to boost your home’s value by 7%. Getting into the water can be a perfect way to lower your BMI and get your heart rate up when you’re in too much pain to partake in other forms of physical activity.

If you’re experiencing muscular issues, light exercise has been shown to alleviate pain symptoms in many people. People recovering from car accidents or tendon issues can find relief by engaging in light exercise and stretching regularly. Just be sure to talk to your doctor before starting a new regimen since you don’t want to overexert yourself.

Getting exercise also releases endorphins which can help alleviate pain by blocking these signals when your body is moving. Since it can also boost your mood, exercise is a two-punch combo when it comes to releasing at least some of your chronic pain. Getting your family involved can help keep you accountable for getting up and getting moving.

Dress comfortably whenever possible

Unfortunately, many jobs require a certain uniform to be worn when you go into work. But when you’re not getting ready for the day, it’s recommended that you dress as comfortably as possible.

After all, the clothing we wear does more than just make us look good, they also make us feel good. If you’re coping with chronic pain, try to wear loose-fitting clothing that doesn’t irritate your problem areas. For example, many people with lower back problems wear stretchy, comfortable pants instead of restrictive jeans that impact your ability to move around.

Those who have been in car accidents usually wear comfortable clothing until their injuries heal; the same should be the case for people coping with chronic pain. While 96% of personal injury cases are settled in pre-trial, you’re still going to have to cope with longstanding health issues when the case is done. Look for comfy clothing that makes you feel confident.

You shouldn’t feel like you have to wear baggy sweatpants and pajamas to feel comfortable. Slip into comfortable, stretchy dress pants, a nice dress, or a relaxed button-up to still sport your sense of style. You might have to go shopping, but it’ll be worth it when you find comfortable, fashionable staples to wear for years to come.

Indulge in selfcare

When you’re in pain, you might not always feel your most confident. It’s perfectly okay to wallow in your misery every once in a while, but you deserve to feel great about yourself, even if you’re coping with pain. There are plenty of self-care tips that you can partake in to help your confidence and your health.

Did you know that almost seven million Americans invested in waxing services multiple times in 2019? If you hate dealing with body hair, or struggle to reach it because of your chronic pain, there’s nothing wrong with relying on the pros to make you feel good. Go get waxed, get a haircut, and indulge in a massage. That last option can even help your chronic pain in some cases.

You should also partake in the basic aspects of self-care: brushing your teeth, showering regularly, and eating healthy. It’s okay to have a piece of cake every once in a while, but your body will work better when you fuel it with the right stuff. Self-care can mean indulgence, but it’s also a tool to keep you accountable for your health.

Chronic pain can be a storm cloud on even the sunniest days. When you’re feeling overwhelmed by your chronic pain, rely on these tips to help mitigate your symptoms and start feeling like yourself again.