As much as you want to feel like you can do things when experiencing chronic pain or illness, you also shouldn’t push yourself too hard. Doing so could seriously impact your well-being and energy, making it impossible to do other things later. 

But, this shouldn’t mean you spend your free time doing nothing. Instead, there are ways to make the most of your time and feel productive even if you don’t meet friends or go into the office. If you’re struggling to find the best ways to make the most of your time, consider this advice. 

Rest 

Anyone who’s experienced chronic pain and illness knows how important rest is, yet some people often feel guilty for spending the day at home in bed or on the sofa. The truth is that there is often nothing you can do to overcome the pain or illness, so a good day’s rest is the only solution.

Still, even if you can’t get out of bed, you can find ways to feel productive, whatever productive means to you. Some will stream new shows by finding out how to get US Netflix in Canada while others will try to finish that book that’s been on the bedside table for months. Of course, you can always sleep if you need to recharge. 

Try Yoga 

If you’re feeling up to getting out of bed and want to find ways to improve your pain management and overall well-being, yoga could be the perfect solution. Unlike other exercises and treatments, it’s low impact and ideal for anyone experiencing chronic pain. Furthermore, you don’t need to leave the house. Instead, you can follow instructional videos online (such as YouTube) to ease into the activity and enjoy the benefits. 

Write About Your Experiences 

If you’re looking for ways to be productive even if you don’t think you can get out of bed, writing about your experiences can help you share your knowledge and advice with people who may experience the same thing. 

Understanding the link between creativity and chronic pain can help you journal or create blog content that covers what you’ve been through. From there, you can offer advice and guidance to people who may have just started to experience the same issues to give them confidence and support. 

Prioritize Your Health and Well-Being 

Even if you can't leave the house or go to work, you can still find ways to prioritize your health and well-being. Besides rest and yoga, it’s also worth thinking about your diet. Although it’s tempting to rely on food deliveries and takeout, this won’t do your body or mind any favors. Instead, consider eating healthier and staying hydrated. Fruits, vegetables, and plenty of water can all help you feel more energized, which can make it easier to deal with chronic pain. 

Feel Comfortable Saying No 

Sometimes, people don’t get your issues with chronic pain or illness. They assume you're just trying to get out of responsibilities or you don’t care enough about them. They might even make you feel guilty for not hanging out with them or doing things they ask you to do. 

This can be hugely damaging to your mental and physical well-being. The extra stress is the last thing you need, so you need to set boundaries and feel more comfortable saying no. If they really care about you, they will understand. 

Explore Pain Management Solutions 

Everywhere you look, you can find pain management solutions, but what works for others doesn't always work for you. It’s worth exploring different solutions to see what benefits you. People experiencing chronic pain can also look at activity planning which helps them mentally and physically prepare to do things they’d otherwise miss because they were unable to get out of bed. 

Set A Schedule 

Similarly, you can set a schedule that gives your days more structure. You don’t need to get out of bed first thing, but you can make the most of your time if you are in bed. Instead of scrolling through your phone, try detailing your condition and look for trends that could help you manage the pain. If you know you have an appointment in a few days, make sure you speak to your manager or anyone who can help you get to the office.

Summing Up 

No one will understand your experiences with chronic pain and illness unless they encounter it themselves. They might even take a dismissive approach or suggest that you’re not suffering as much as you say you are. These aren’t opinions you should listen to, and instead, you can focus on making the most of the time when you can to feel productive, manage your issues, and still be as present as you want for yourself and others.