Summer is usually an active time. Sometimes with overuse or other health issues--pain can be a bi-product. You can develop a Pain, Activity, and Treatment log--to better understand how to deal with your symptoms and the results of your activities. PAIN, ACTIVITY, & TREATMENT LOG It might be helpful to track symptoms for 3-4 weeks in a row. Then, you can compare the results and even share them with your health care practitioners--if you like. Draw a stick figure of your body, and note any areas of pain/discomfort. Note how often you feel discomfort in each area. On a scale of 1-10--what is your pain level (One--no pain---ten extreme pain)? How would you describe your pain--dull, nagging, driving, pins & needles, stabbing, etc? What activities bring on pain? How do you usually feel after exercising? How do you feel after working? How do you feel after recreational activities? What kinds of stress are you feeling? What makes your pain/stress symptoms worse/better? Was your pain and/or stress significantly better after any session you might have had--talking with someone, massage therapy, energy therapies, acupressure, aromatherapy etc.? What is your activity level since any above session(s)--any improvement in your ability to move more easily, including improvement in your flexibility? How could you commit to one or more beneficial activities for your self-care this summer? What could help you stay motivated to keep making progress? What would be one small fun, easy, doable step towards one of your goals? You can chart your goals and progress on the log, by listing each goal and small steps towards your goals, and then crossing off items as you complete each step :) (It is OK to repeat the steps that are especially beneficial, in your progress toward the goals, and is OK to repeat the goals as needed.) Usually, it is helpful to under-promise with each step, and give yourself credit for any progress you've made, as that can enhance your feeling of success. What is one takeaway from completing the above log & setting one small doable step towards your goal? Wishing you a wonderful activity-filled summer with plenty of mellowing out time! Adapted from Client Education Handouts for Self-Care--Information for People
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AuthorEnjoy the 2023 blogs! Also, check out the 2022 blog information Archives
December 2023
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