YogTaara

Breaking Free from the Cycle of Chronic Pains: Why Normalising Pain is a Recipe for Suffering

One thing all of us have been guilty of at some point in our lives is accepting and normalising pain!

As humans, we’re incredibly resilient. We can adapt to almost any situation, including living with chronic pain. However, this adaptability can sometimes work against us, leading us to normalize pain and accept it as an inevitable part of life.

But what if I told you that living a pain-free life is possible? That it’s not just a pipe dream, but a reality that can be achieved with the right mindset, strategies and support?

The Dangers of Normalising Pain

When we normalise pain, we start to accept it as a normal part of our lives. We even begin to define ourselves by our pain, using it as an excuse for not pursuing our passions or living the life we desire and truly deserve. We don’t realise but it slows us down and starts shutting our dreams one by one. 

Common pains that we normalise subconsciously:

• Stiff neck and shoulders
• Lower back pain – L4, L5, S1
• Joints pain – arthritis, oesteoporosis
• Weak wrists and ankles
• Chronic fatigue
• Sciatica
• Headaches and migraines
• Bloating, acidity and indigestion

Normalizing pain can lead to:

• Social withdrawal: Not participating in that weekend Hike because of weak ankles. We may feel like we’re stuck with our pain forever, leading to feelings of hopelessness and despair.
• Lack of motivation: Why bother trying to make changes when we’ve convinced ourselves that pain is just a part of life? Popping pills and sticking to the bed due to lower back pain.
• Missed opportunities: By accepting pain as normal, we may miss out on experiences, relationships, and personal growth.
• Weaker body and mind: When we normalise pain , we subconsciously weaken ourselves from with is. Become less adventurous.
• Long term health issues: A single pain today will compound to multiple allied pain in a decade, over time creating long term (probably permanent) deterioration to health.

Breaking Free from the Cycle of Pain

So, how can we break free from the cycle of pain and start living a pain-free life? Here are some tips to get you started. Remember to consult your existing guide / doctor in case you are undergoing a course.

• Acknowledge and accept: Recognise that your pain is real, but also acknowledge that it’s not a permanent part of your life. Accept the pain and also accept that you have the power to live a pain free life. No point running away from it!
• Identify the source: Understand the root cause of your pain. Is it physical, emotional, or mental? Once you know the source, you can start working on solutions. For many of us a physical pain is also a manifestation of suppressed trauma, identify your root cause with care.
• Seek support: Surround yourself with people who support and encourage you. Seek out healthcare professionals, therapists, or coaches who can help you develop a personalised pain management plan. Remember, right man for the right job! Working under an expert frees you to focus more on the recovery.
• Focus on self-care: Prioritise self-care activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Ground yourself and connect with Mother Nature. Diligently follow your new regime and take out dedicated time for yourself. You cannot take care of others if you cannot take care of yourself!
• Eat a balanced meal: Only when you break down the exact macros of each meal, do you realise the realistic nutrition of your meal. You would be surprised to have a reality check! There are plenty tools available online to help you track your food – use one, if not in the long run, at least to get a sense of what you are eating! Balanced meal is a key to solving many health issues.
• Challenge yourself: Participate in activities that you avoid. Go on that hike, run a marathon, take a kick boxing class! Never stop challenging yourself. These small milestones will make the foundation of your new pain free life.
• Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge and celebrate small victories along the way. This will help you stay motivated and encouraged throughout your journey.

These are some great tips to start moving towards a pain free life. Which one of these will you start today?