In a previous article I spoke about how a positive attitude can help you manage your arthritis pain.
I suggested you get yourself a book on Positive Thinking. If you haven't got one yet, please do so. Most are not expensive and will certainly be of great benefit to you.
Did you try my suggestion about thinking back to when you did not have arthritis? Have you tried that technique and had any results yet? If you haven't had any results please persevere - it may take time. By the way you will need to continue practicing this technique EVERY DAY. Its power is in the reinforcing effect it has on the subconscious.
One of the worst aspects of constant pain is the way it affects your attitude. The feelings of anxiety and negativity "why did it happen to me" feeling helpless and feeling like you can't cope.
You might feel like you have lost control of your life and have difficulty concentrating. And the worst part is because these feelings are so powerful they continue to feed on themselves.
But the feelings of positive thinking can be more powerful. You have it within you to overcome all the negativity and feelings of inadequacy. You are a very powerful person and it is within you to do it. How?
I have already suggested getting a book on Positive Thinking and how to get the image in your mind of when you were pain free.
Sometimes a little help from other sources is beneficial.
You might like to consider glucosamine? Glucosamine is reported to be benefiting arthritis sufferers by reducing joint pain. Information about glucosamine can be found by simply clicking on the link at the end of this article and then following the links on the home page.
Other things you can do:
- Talk to people who have a positive attitude - their approach to life will rub off and help you.
- Don't talk about how bad you feel or how bad your pain is. When you are talking to someone and they ask how you are, tell them how great you feel.
I have a friend who when asked how he is, always replies "fantastic". I have never seen him down or unhappy because his reply triggers his subconscious mind into making his body respond to feel "fantastic". Try it - it works.
- When you get out of bed every morning say out loud, "I feel fantastic today, I am going to have a great day". Repeat this 5 - 10 times and do it at least 5 - 6 times every day. You will be surprised the effect this will have on you.
By the way don't say anything like "I won't have any pain today". See what it does - just the very mention of that word makes you conscious of it. Avoid thinking about it or using the word.
- When you go to bed at night, say out loud (in your mind is OK if you are going to disturb someone) "I am going to have a peaceful, restful night and wake up in the morning feeling fantastic".
- Avoid talking to negative people. This can sometimes be difficult if they are friends or relatives but steer the conversation to how you want it. Be positive, talk about good things, talk about things you have enjoyed. Take control of the conversation. You may be surprised at how their attitude will change.
- Try and do some easy exercise. Go for a walk - even if it's only a short distance. Each day try to do a little more, it doesn't have to be much more but it gives you a sense of achievement, a positive feeling. And don't worry if you don't do what you set out to do - forget it. You can't change what's happened - look forward to to-morrow. Exercise also has the benefit of building up natural chemicals in the body that give you feelings of wellbeing.
- If you find yourself thinking negative thoughts or something is bothering you say to yourself "STOP" and then concentrate on something good or nice or pleasurable. Very soon just thinking "STOP" will trigger an immediate change in your thoughts.
- Inject a little humor into your life every day. As they say "laughter is the best medicine". If you have a favorite comedy show make sure you watch it - if you don't, find one that you like. Get a book of jokes. Make sure you read some of it everyday.
If you just do some of these things you will feel so much better but put your heart into them. Believe that they will work because they do. If you do all of them then I admire you but whatever you do please do something. Nothing will change unless you make it change.
About the Author
Cathy Posner is an arthritis sufferer and lives in Wauchope, New South Wales, Australia. Her website http://www.get-arthritis-pain-relief.com/index2 is a result of personal research and is where arthritis sufferers can find up-to-date advice and information on arthritis pain relief.