Finding Joy in Everyday Life: Tips For Living Happily With Chronic Pain
Finding joy in my life has come by way of so many strategies. Joy did not come overnight, nor is it something that is present in high levels all the time. Still I always have the presence of joy in my life to some degree.
Physical Needs
First, I do my best to take care of my physical needs. I get physical activity by walking and doing physical therapy, I try to eat balanced meals, and I drink plenty of water. Taking care of physical needs improves my mood and can enhance my self-esteem, ultimately leading to a more positive mindset and joy.
Having A Positive Mindset
Having a positive mindset can bring me joy. Using positive self-talk in not-so-pleasant situations can help me stay joyful. Keeping busy with hobbies can distract from pain or anything that’s causing me to be less than happy. Practicing gratitude helps me remain joyful, too. There’s a practice I do called 3 Good Things, and I write 3 things I’m grateful for at the end of the day. Positive affirmations are another way to keep a positive mindset.
The Importance Of Connection
Finding social connection is another way to find enjoyment when living in pain. Whether I’m connected to people in real life, as with my best friend or my neighbor, or online in support groups like Pipsters Place, being with people is another way in which I find joy. Being with people who understand what we’re going through and being connected through our similarities is a way to find joy, even if the situation isn’t the best. Being connected is what’s important.
Learning Radical Acceptance
A skill I learned in therapy is Radical Acceptance. It doesn’t mean I approve or even like a situation. It means I accept the situation as it is, without judgment or resistance, even when difficult or painful. I didn’t learn this skill overnight, but I have to keep practicing it. It’s not an easy one, yet it’s so helpful when it comes to maintaining joy and happiness in my life.
Practicing Faith
Practicing my faith also brings joy to my life. Whether it’s worshipping through singing songs or just listening to praise music, Christian music brings me to a place of pleasure and rejoicing. My faith also provides strength and peace, and when I face life with these in my corner, I’m also more likely to experience joy. And expressing gratitude for my God’s blessings is surely guaranteed to bring more gratification to me.
Fuzzy Friends
Pets can certainly bring joy and happiness to life. From cats to dogs to horses to reptiles, something about being around our animals keeps us wanting more of that warm, fuzzy feeling we get just having them near. I know that my animals have often become my confidant, one of my best friends, always willing to listen. It’s been reported that simply gazing into each other’s eyes causes a spike in oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone, for both the dog and dog owner.
Listen To Your Body
Finally, listening to my body is a huge consideration when it comes to finding joy in everyday life. I have to pace myself in all I do early in my day or I won’t have the energy to enjoy anything I want to do later in my day. I also need to practice patience. Some days I’ll be able to do more than other days. I need to not get frustrated over the ups and downs of what I’m capable of doing at any given time. I just enjoy what I can do when I can. I remember I do not let my pain define who I am or how I feel. And all this brings me joy.
My name is Debby and I’ve been a widow since 2019. I live in mid-Michigan with my cat, BeeAh. I enjoy writing, doing crafts, reading, and shopping, mostly online.
I’m passionate about raising awareness for disabilities, especially those that are invisible. I live with Fibromyalgia, Arachnoiditis, Osteoarthritis, Osteopenia, Chronic Hip Dysplasia, Scoliosis, Degenerative Disc Disease, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Type 2 Diabetes, Hypothyroidism, Chronic Migraines, Chronic Insomnia, Bipolar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Social Anxiety, PTSD, and Complex Grief.
I am deeply committed to my faith, and I choose to live joyfully, not because my circumstances are always joyful, but because I am joy filled! Learn more about Debby on Our Contributors page!
I love your blog so much. You really are a beacon for people living with chronic conditions. I agree about fuzzy friends!
I have cats and bunnies, so I know that fuzzy friends really do make everything better. They just have a spirit about them that soaks up into you.
Amazing post, thank you so much for opening up. Finding and building the right connections helped me a lot go through my challenges.
I am glad you are still able to find joy while being in pain. I know it cannot be easy, but it’s fantastic that you won’t allow it to keep you from having fun in life.
Thanks for sharing your meaningful stories and observations. By voicing these experiences, you speak for many, and I appreciate that writing on this topic isn’t easy.
It is so important to listen to your body and do what is best for you. I have food allergies and I only stay safe if I stand up for myself.
I think this is so wonderful. I know it can be hard to deal with chronic pain. I have a few family/friends who have chronic pain. I know there are lots of challenges, and you just have to be patient with yourself.
Thank you for sharing this information with us. To be honest, I am not familiar with this, but now I am saving it.
Wow, this is a great reminder to be kind to everyone and not take it personally if someone is having a bad day. We never know what someone else is going through.
Thank you for this. We have to find joy in whatever ways we can, because life would just be miserable otherwise. I live with migraines and an autoimmune disease, so I understand that this can be difficult to do sometimes.
This is all great advice. I have a friend who has fibromyalgia so she’s always in pain. I know for her connection helps so much. Meeting friends etc.
This is such a great post. Having a positive mindset can work wonders in our outlook and how we perceive things that happen. I totally agree with listening to your body and having patience.
Absolutely love this post! A positive mindset truly is the key to navigating life, no matter what challenges come your way. I lean on my Faith every day all day because as someone with a chronic injury, life can be soooo challenging at times.
It’s comforting to know I’m not alone in trying to find light on tough days. I especially loved what you said about connections!
Your perspective on radical acceptance gave me so much to think about. It’s comforting to know joy can still coexist with pain.
Chronic pain is the worst. But there’s nothing like the comfort of a sweet, precious kitty to make things a little better, at least from the stress of all of it.
I love this blog because it really helps me to keep motivated to be happy and think positive. It is important to have a positive mindset to keep a happy life.
This is wonderful. It is hard to stand after you feel a pain in your life. Thank you for saying and sharing this to us. This is really helpful.
Some great ways to find joy in everyday life, and it’s so nice to have those things to focus on. I agree that furry friends really do add so much joy, our two cats bring me so much happiness even when I’m not feeling my best x
I suffered from chronic pain physically, your article on finding joy in everyday life really uplifting. Thanks for the inspiration!
This is a beautiful reminder that happiness doesn’t always come from big events, but often from appreciating the simple, everyday moments. Thank you for sharing this gentle nudge to slow down and savour life.
Acceptance does go a long way in helping us deal with the tough-stuff life throws at us, and building connections too. I am glad to have a great support network in my family and friends
This is such a good look into what to do with chronic pain. Knowing your limits and listening to your body is really a must – otherwise, you’ll end up burnt out.