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You are here: Home / Coping / How do you distract yourself from pain?

How do you distract yourself from pain?

Last Updated: August 24, 2015

Welcome! It looks like you might be new here, so I wanted to take a moment to tell you a little about me and my blog. My name is Julie Ryan and I live with Fibromyalgia. I've chosen to live positively, to fight back with diet and lifestyle changes and it's made a huge difference for me. The difference between living all my days in bed, and actually LIVING. I hope you'll keep reading and subscribe to my Newsletter to make sure you don't miss a post. Thanks for visiting!

*BTW, just a heads up that the post below may have affiliate links (some of my posts do).

Welcome back! I'm so glad that you are here again. If you've not already, be sure to subscribe to my Newsletter and I'll update you each time I post (and occasionally I'll send you something special).

Just a heads up that the post below may have affiliate links.

A while back I shared a study that indicated that distraction really can reduce pain. It’s been a popular post here, and while I shared a few ways to distract yourself from pain, I’d really love to hear your favorite ways to distract yourself from pain and how well those distractions work. So, please leave a comment below and share your favorite distractions.

A few of my favorite distractions are:

  • books (all types)
  • Netflix (preferably binge-watching a series)
  • Listening to music while laying in my hammock
  • Online poker

How do you distract yourself from pain?

How do you distract yourself from the pain and fatigue? What are your favorite distracting shows or movies? Favorite activities? Favorite songs?

7 Comments Filed Under: Coping

About Julie

Spoonie. Fibro Warrior. E-health advocate.

Julie Ryan was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2010 and endometriosis in 2012. She's lived with chronic migraine most of her life. In 2019 she was diagnosed with inter-cranial hypertension.

Julie has a degree in Psychology, and works as a freelance writer and marketer. Freelance work allows her to work when she can and not be tied to a desk or a schedule. Julie believes in living an inspired life despite chronic illness.

"I have chronic illness, it doesn't have me."

More about Julie

Blog title inspired by The Spoon Theory, by Christine Miserandino, an excellent explanation of what it's like to live with invisible illness.

Comments

  1. Richard Gerome says

    August 31, 2015 at 10:09 am

    I used to spend hours reading and doing research on all illnesses, also reading Metaphysical type books too. But now my eyes are not to good to read much because of early stages of Glaucoma. Now you’ll find me walking the malls for my daily exercise and hanging out with some really close friends. I also do daily meditation with some Hatha Yoga to keep me flexible. I pretty much will do anything to keep me on my Spiritual Path!!!

    Reply
    • Julie says

      September 1, 2015 at 9:36 am

      Do you enjoy audio books? I remember that my grandma was an avid reader and when her eyes went that was so hard for her. We were able to find a program through the library that provided free audio books that she could listen to as she chose. It’s awesome that you are finding ways to enjoy yourself and distract yourself. It’s what we all need to do.

      Reply
  2. Tara says

    August 24, 2015 at 9:34 pm

    Reading, Words with Friends, and Instagram are a few of my favorite distractions.

    Reply
  3. Tara says

    August 24, 2015 at 9:34 pm

    Reading, Words with Friends, and Instagram are a few of my favorite distractions.

    Reply
  4. Angie says

    August 24, 2015 at 5:25 pm

    I like puzzle games like sudoku. I have book and phone app versions. <3

    Reply
  5. Donna says

    August 24, 2015 at 3:00 pm

    If I’m up to it being in the company of good people can really be helpful. I often don’t have the concentration for reading books but I enjoy binge watching TV shows too. Sometimes playing games if I am up to it. Playing my favourite songs and singing along (badly lol).

    Reply
  6. ChronicMom says

    August 24, 2015 at 12:58 pm

    Book are my #1 coping mechanism, I’m always in search of another good book. I also love to spend time outdoors when it’s good weather. I just bought a hammock and can’t wait until the weather is cool enough here to use it.

    Reply

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About Julie

Spoonie. Fibro Warrior. E-health advocate.

Julie Ryan was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2010 and endometriosis in 2012. She's lived with chronic migraine most of her life. In 2019 she was diagnosed with inter-cranial hypertension.

Julie has a degree in Psychology, and works as a freelance writer and marketer. Freelance work allows her to work when she can and not be tied to a desk or a schedule. Julie believes in living an inspired life despite chronic illness.

"I have chronic illness, it doesn't have me."

More about Julie

Blog title inspired by The Spoon Theory, by Christine Miserandino, an excellent explanation of what it's like to live with invisible illness. Read More…

Disclaimer:

I am not a doctor. I do not claim to be a doctor. I do not play a doctor on TV or the internet. I simply share my experiences and what has worked for me. We are all different and before you try any new treatment, exercise, supplement, etc you should talk with your doctor (the real one, not the one on TV).

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