It’s time to talk about New Year’s Resolutions to Manage Chronic Pain. New Year’s resolutions are a time-honored tradition for many people, a chance to set goals and make positive changes in their lives. If you live with chronic pain, you may find that managing your condition is a constant challenge, and it can be particularly difficult to stay motivated and focused. Here are some ideas for New Year’s resolutions that can help you manage your chronic pain more effectively:

1. Keep a Pain Diary: A Pain Diary is used to better understand their pain, identify patterns or triggers that may contribute to pain, and communicate more effectively with their healthcare providers about their pain.
2. Create a daily pain management routine: Chronic pain can be unpredictable and often requires a combination of treatments to manage effectively. Consider creating a daily routine that includes activities such as stretching, exercise, relaxation techniques, and medication. By sticking to a consistent routine, you can help reduce the severity and frequency of your pain.
3. Communicate with your healthcare team: It’s important to stay in close contact with your healthcare team, particularly if your pain levels or treatment needs change. Make it a resolution to schedule regular check-ins with your doctor and other healthcare professionals, and be sure to share any new symptoms or concerns you have.
4. Stay active: Exercise can be a powerful tool for managing chronic pain, but it can be difficult to find the motivation to stay active when you’re in pain. Make it a goal to incorporate some form of physical activity into your daily routine, even if it’s just a short walk or some gentle stretching.
5. Practice stress management techniques: Chronic pain can be stressful and overwhelming, and managing stress can be an important part of managing your pain. Consider taking up a relaxation technique such as meditation or yoga, or try journaling or talking to a therapist to help reduce stress and anxiety.
6. Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health, which can in turn help manage chronic pain. Make it a resolution to focus on eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and aim to limit processed and sugary foods.

By setting achievable goals and focusing on self-care, you can make the new year a time of positive change and improved pain management. Start setting your new year’s resolutions to manage chronic pain and remember to be kind to yourself and don’t be afraid to seek support from your healthcare team or loved ones when you need it. If you are thinking about starting a new business in the new year read this. If you struggle with making and sticking to new year’s resolutions read this NY Times article.