It’s not uncommon for those with inflammation and chronic pain to experience stress and anxiety—and vice versa. The pain-stress connection creates a vicious cycle; we have to learn to effectively manage both to improve our overall quality of life.
If you experience inflammation and chronic pain, or stress and anxiety, talk to your doctor. A combination of medication and therapy may be best for you. There are also lifestyle changes you can start to make now to help with stress management and anxiety, and in turn, better manage inflammation and chronic pain.
Tips to Reduce Stress and Anxiety
- Stop smoking. People who smoke are almost three times more likely to develop chronic back pain, as well as many other types of pain.
- Move more. Walking is a low-impact exercise with a wealth of health benefits and has one of the lowest risks of injury.
- Practice relaxation techniques, like yoga or meditation, and make time for leisure activities every day.
- Get restful sleep. Pain, stress and anxiety can make sleep difficult, but restful sleep can help improve all three. To rest better at night, keep daytime naps to 30 minutes; avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine close to bedtime; and shut off your phone, laptop and TV when in bed.
- Do more of what you love. Make a point to carve out time for your favorite hobbies, doing fun activities friends and family, and even discovering new passions! Maybe you’ve always wanted to take a cooking class, get into gardening or try photography—whatever it is, find time for the things that bring you joy.
As you focus on your mental health, also adopt an anti-inflammatory diet to help manage chronic pain and inflammation. With these lifestyle changes and guidance from your doctor, you can take control of your quality of life—Theraworx Relief for Joint Discomfort and Inflammation can help. Learn more about our two-part anti-inflammatory system.