Secrets of the physical and mental game.
There are two sources of pain. Physical, such as injury and Emotional, such as heartache. Both are a perception, an awareness, an opinion based on your very own personal assessment of a situation.
Have you ever “Thrown in the towel”? Given in to the injury? Succumbed to the anguish? Just stopped short of reaching your goal? Due to: Anxiety – Panic – Grief – Remorse – Depression.
It’s fascinating to watch what happens to two athletes that sustain the same (or similar) injury. One will give up; the other will work around it.
I’ve had patients sustain wickedly painful injuries and recover quickly; others maintain their injury status for a lifetime. What makes the difference? Their mindset.
I am not saying “it’s all in your mind,” and telling you to “get over it.” I am saying that mental perception to an event and the way you process that pain CAN be modulated. You have control!
Here is a suggestion that a high school friend uses on Post Traumatic Stress victims. He’s in the Middle East and his patients are high risk, Iraqi females that are suffering from:
- Loss of family members
- Forced relocation
- New responsibilities in providing for their family
- Added dependant family members
- Witnessed killing
- Jarring of traditionally supportive communities
- Poor access to medical care
Solutions: Managing your thoughts about the condition is paramount.
Distractions are superior!
Long term action steps:
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Exercise
- Running
- Weight training
Short term action steps:
- Going to the movies
- Comedy
- Having projects to complete
- Being with friends
- Music
- Showering
Feeling down about your pain and what it has done to your family life or career only increases your sense to that pain. A good coach, friend(s) or therapist is invaluable.
What do you do for distraction?
Doc B
