Welcome to the latest PainSupport newsletter. In our monthly newsletters we give you all the top tips and techniques to help you manage your pain and live life to the full.

Come and join us on our Forum for your concerns and comments.
Go to our Shop for books, relaxation CDs and Downloads.

Now read on about why, and how, you need to tame your technology.
 
 

I was given a smartphone at Christmas to replace my old not-so-smart-phone.

I was amazed at what it offered. But soon found I was swamped with messages, emails, notifications and constant upgrades, all with very intrusive vibrations, bleeps and pings.

Help!

I had no trouble from my old not-so-smart-phone, it sat there quietly and I looked at it when I wanted to, in my own time. With the new phone I was drawn into picking it up all the time.

I could feel my sense of calm and 'living in the moment' drift away with the constant barrage of information, all of which seemed to need a response.

Action was needed!

I found the settings and turned the sounds and vibrations off. That was all that I needed to do. Now I look at it when I want to, and not when it wants me to.

I learned a good lesson from my new phone.

Maybe you, like me, sometimes find yourself overwhelmed with information and demands. Some of it we might find useful and entertaining but most of what we see is not essential to our lives.

Demands on our time come from e-mails, text messages, spam, social media like Facebook/Instagram/Twitter etc., texts, TV adverts, unwanted phone calls and ‘must see’ programmes. The clock ticks on, life speeds up and the pressure on us rises.

It's a challenge for people unhampered by pain, but for those of us with pain in our lives it can be even more tiring and stressful.

Once we realise that we are, in fact, pressurising ourselves, and don’t have to, we can start to take control, be more selective and slow down.

There is little that wouldn’t be improved by slowing down in every area of our lives. Learning to take your time will improve the quality of your life more than almost anything else.

As well as with technology, other activities such as exercise, conversation and eating are amazingly improved in quality when we are in control, when we slow down and take our time.

How about you take a look at your technological habits and see where you can simplify things too.

---

Did you like this article?
Are there any other topics about coping with pain that you'd like to read about?

Send us your comments and suggestions, we love to hear from you.
Email us at PainSupport here
or use our Contact form here


 

Try some of the simple suggestions below to remove the rush and hurry from your life and restore a more natural and relaxed rhythm.

Notice how things change for you. You will be amazed at the difference in yourself; not only to pain levels but to your whole life.

How about starting right now – but gently, and in your own time, of course.

1. Realise that although you have a phone, it doesn’t mean you have to leave it on – or answer it! When an email, text or other message arrives, it doesn’t mean you have to answer it immediately. And remember, you are in charge of the delete button! If your inbox is out of control, get it back in hand.

2. Set your own pace. When someone or something is pushing you, it’s OK to say 'No, not right now'. Structure your activities, so that you know, before you start, how long it is sensible for you to sit or stand at a task before you need to move.

3. When you find yourself rushing and anxious, stop. Ask yourself WHY you are rushing. The reasons may improve your self-understanding.

4. Plan for three separate moments in your day, whether at home or at work where you pause for peace and quiet and just let go. Do nothing. Do nothing except concentrate on slow deep breathing for a few minutes. Allow space for yourself. Rest, and 'stepping back' from the world for a moment, isn't a luxury; it's a necessity.

There's a section on finding and setting goals in our Pacing Download Workbook
 

If you find it difficult to explain your energy and pain levels, try the links below:


The spoon theory
and
Understand Someone with Chronic Pain
and
YouTube video
and our forum topic:
For those in pain to pass on to friends and family
 

All of Jan's CDs have been voted top relaxation CDs by people such as BackCare.org, Holland and Barrett and Woman's Weekly Magazine. Full details from our Shop

	Get A Good Night's Sleep! Our CD is rated the top sleep CD by Woman's Weekly, it really does work, sleep virtually guaranteed. Download CD or book, including the CD
	Our highly recommended Pain Relief Without Drugs CD is ideal for anyone with pain. The first track is a short talk by Jan, which is followed by five different truly relaxing tracks. Download CD or book, including the CD
	Choose 'Relax & Release your Pain' for lovely relaxation tracks plus self-management tips for pain relief. Download CD
	'Perfect Relaxation' is just what its name says. Eight different tracks of perfect relaxation. Explore a tropical paradise, take a walk by the sea, relax by a stream or discover your own secret hideaway. Download CD
	And, of course, our popular 'Pacing for Pain Relief Workbook' for just £3.00. Download

Jan's CDs always include simple techniques for breathing for pain relief. Also, of course, there are tracks for pure relaxation using visualisation and relaxation techniques. All you need to do is listen to Jan's soothing voice and your pain and tension will float away!

Go to our Shop to download or buy CDs or books.
 

We have lots of goodies for you.

Click the links below for some really useful downloads.

• 'How to Find a Diagnosis' tips and checklist download
• NEW! Practical Tips for Pain Relief PDF
• Your 'How to Be as Well as Possible - Every Day' worksheet
• Your 'Affirmations/Mood Changers/Feel-good Words' worksheet
• Relaxation Collection 1. Visualisation & relaxation techniques
• Relaxation Collection 2. Relaxation & relief from stress and pain
• Step 1 of your goals. Your Goals worksheet
• Step 2 of your goals. Your Goal Achiever worksheet
• Log 1: Diary of your pain levels
• Log 2: How feelings & activities affect your pain

Some of the latest forum topics - join in and have your say!

Volunteers required: Your chance to provide feedback on your medical treatment for N.I.C.E
Osteoporosis
My chronic pain makes me feel isolated
Tramadol
Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS)

Some of our most popular general interest topics
The latest good books as recommended by our members
Laughter is the best medicine See our bank of jokes
Hobbies and Crafts Album Photos of members' craft work.
Plants and Gardens Garden chat and photos of members' gardens
Easy Meals Lots of ideas for quick to prepare meals
'Today I am...' A snapshot of each other’s lives. What's going on with you today?
For those in pain to pass on to family and friends to help them understand.