Exercise and Stretching
When in pain, moving is the last thing one wants to do, yet it is one of the best things. The body has an innate ability for movement. Any activity helps to reduce the pain by stretching stiff muscles, ligaments, and joints. But one needs to start gradually and gently allowing the muscles and joints to loosen up. Some simple, useful activities are walking, running, and swimming. Or any activity that increases heart rate for a sustained period. Work on gentle stretches that help maintain mobility and range of motion. Moderate exercises get the energy flowing through the body, increases breathing, and blood flow.
Get Out on Sun
Sun can be the ultimate pain reliever. A few minutes of sun exposure each day helps the body produce vitamin D, which relieves pain by aiding absorption of calcium, which is critical to bone growth and repair.
Good Sleep
Sufficient sleep is important to manage pain and promote healing. Sleep deprivation can worsen pain. Some good habits to get a healthy amount of sleep include making the bedroom quiet and dark, keeping electronics away, and establishing regular sleeping and waking schedule.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
As pain can be caused or aggravated by inflammation, adopting an anti-inflammatory diet makes sense. The high fiber content helps body offload toxins that can cause additional inflammation. It would help to focus on foods like fresh organic fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, along with healthy fats like olive oil and omega-3-rich fish.
Meditation
Meditation is emerging as a treatment for chronic pain. The idea is to focus on being present in each moment by noticing the environment, emotions, thoughts, as well as sensations in the body. Connecting body and mind in this way reduces muscle tension and pains. Similarly, concentrating on breathing can help reduce pain. Breathing slowly and deeply helps feel more in control, keeping one relaxed, and preventing muscle tension or anxiety.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a therapy that is believed to reduce pain. It is premised on enhancing energy flow through the body. It can help with certain pains-lower back, neck, arthritis or knee; as well as tension or migraine headaches.