Coping Tools for Pain
There are many different tools to help with your pain. All of these tools can help you to feel more engaged in your life and over time, can help to reduce your pain. Try a variety of tools and see which ones you like most. You will probably use some tools more than others. Most of these tools aren’t meant to be done all the time. Specific tools may be more helpful and feasible on some days more than others.
It's important to use different tools often, as each can help a different aspect of your life and your pain. Revisit "The Bigger Picture of Pain" to learn how. Using the same tool most of the time, for example resting or watching TV, can limit your function while keeping you from other things you enjoy, and in the end worsen your pain experience.
Finding a good balance between tools that help you spend time with others, manage your own feelings and experiences, and doing enjoyable activities are all important parts of good pain management and quality of life. Social activities can help you feel connected with others. Personal coping skills can help you feel at ease, resilient, and calm. As a result, your pain, sleep, and mood may all improve. Activities can help you feel joy, control, and help you to stay engaged.
Here we list out different ideas for coping tools:
Social Coping Tools
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Ask others for help/support
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Address the real feeling with others
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Avoid people or places that trigger negative feelings
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Buddy system
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Call a friend
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Dinner party
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Discuss feelings
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Get help from others
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Hang out with others
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Ignore others who are unkind
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Help someone else with a program
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Interact with others/friends
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Hugs
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Listen and discuss
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Speak up
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Talk to a friend
Personal Coping Tools
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Be in the moment
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Breathe
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Read a book
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Check in with yourself
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Identify how you feel
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Calming techniques – aromatherapy
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Name something positive
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Meditate
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Listen to relaxing music
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Pray/spirituality
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Quiet time
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Relax
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Rest
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Vent feelings
Activities for Coping
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Crossword puzzle
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Clean your home or environment
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Drawing
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Dancing
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Arts and crafts
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Distract yourself
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Drink tea
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Exercise
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Fishing
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Games
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Go outside
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Garden
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Gym
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House work
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Imagination
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Journal
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Knitting
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Laugh/comedies
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Long walk
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Lay down
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Massage
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Movie
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Music
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Play and instrument
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Party
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Pet
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Puzzle
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Poetry
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Read
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Ride bike
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Shower
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Sing
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Sit outside or by a fire
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Stretch
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Swimming
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Television
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Make a To-Do List
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Walk outside
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Write a letter
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Watch the sunset
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Yoga
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Zumba