***This content comes from the Joint Pain Programme Journal by Nuffield Health. As a Rehab Specialist running this program, I’m excited to share these helpful insights with you all.
When people are feeling low, they often stop doing the things they used to do. This is especially the case when recovery feels overwhelming.
Initial Relief
At first, doing less of certain things may help you feel better. You may feel relief around:
Not picking up the phone to a friend
Not completing household tasks
Doing less of certain activities is a normal ‘self-defense’ type coping response, especially if you are already feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
Long-Term Effects
Over time, however, you may find yourself doing less and less of these activities. In the long term, stopping certain activities and withdrawing from social interaction can have a negative effect on your mood.
Managing Activities with Joint Pain
When you are living with joint pain, it can be really difficult to do certain activities, and daily routines can seem overwhelming.
Starting Small
It can be helpful to start off by doing just a little at a time. Planning activities can help you start to do things you may have stopped.
Types of Activities
There are different types of activity that we do in our lives. It is important to find a balance of doing these types of activities by:
Setting small, realistic, and manageable activity goals.
Patience and Persistence
Sometimes it can take several weeks of gradually increasing a balance of activities before you notice an improvement in your mood. Keep going—remember these things take time and practice.
Your Space to Reflect
📍 Starting Point
- Which types of activities lift your mood most effectively?
- How do different activities affect your energy levels?
🤔 Looking Deeper
- When have you successfully maintained mood-boosting activities?
- How does planning activities in advance affect your follow-through?
💡 Exploring Possibilities
- Which small, manageable activities could you start with?
- What balance of different activities would work best for you?
🔄 New Perspectives
- How might viewing activities as 'mood medicine' change your approach?
- What would a balanced weekly activity schedule look like?
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