Episode Summary: In this episode of The Pain Therapist Podcast, I dive deep into a topic that many people living with chronic pain struggle with: motivation. Chronic pain can zap our energy, making it hard to stay motivated to engage in self-care or the activities that bring us joy. Living in constant pain often leads to feelings of frustration, burnout, and sometimes even depression, where lack of motivation is a major symptom.
I’ll share my personal experience of recently feeling unmotivated for basic self-care—something I think many of you can relate to—and how I found a way to move forward. We’ll explore how to shift your focus from the effort it takes to do something to how good you feel afterward, and how that shift in mindset can be a game-changer for staying motivated, especially when life with chronic pain feels overwhelming.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding the Link Between Pain and Motivation: Chronic pain often leads to fatigue, frustration, and even depression, which can sap our motivation to engage in activities that matter to us.
Personal Story on Reclaiming Motivation: A recent experience of overcoming a lack of motivation for self-care and how small changes—like a 30-minute workout—made a big difference.
Focus on How You’ll Feel After: Shifting your mindset from how difficult it is to start something to how good you’ll feel after completing it can help you overcome the mental resistance to taking action.
Tailoring Motivation to Your Life: Not every source of motivation will look the same. Whether it’s exercise, creative pursuits, or social connections, find what aligns with your values and ask yourself, "How will I feel if I do this?"
Small Steps Lead to Big Gains: Even if it’s a small action, like moving your body for a few minutes or engaging in a hobby, these little wins can add up over time and boost your overall sense of well-being.
Actionable Tips:
Shift Your Focus: When you're feeling unmotivated, instead of focusing on the difficulty of starting, think about how you’ll feel once you’ve done the activity.
Start Small: Even if it’s just 10 or 15 minutes, doing something—anything—can create positive momentum.
Reconnect with Your Values: Reflect on what activities bring you joy or align with your values, and make those a priority, even in small doses.
Be Gentle with Yourself: Remember, living with chronic pain means that some days are harder than others. Celebrate the small wins and know that progress, no matter how slow, is still progress.
Connect with Us:
Instagram: @the_pain_therapist
Website: www.sheenarydingstherapy.co.uk
Thank you for joining me for this episode of The Pain Therapist Podcast. If you enjoyed today’s discussion, please share it with someone you know who might need a little extra motivation. And as always, if you have any questions or topics you'd like me to cover in future episodes, don’t hesitate to reach out.
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