If you live with chronic pain, you’re not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 50 million adults in the United States live with chronic pain of some kind. While living with your condition can be tough, there are ways to help manage it. Diet and exercise can make a significant difference in how you feel from day to day. This guide from Digital Online Updates provides some actionable tips you can use to help keep your pain in check, allowing you to live your life to the fullest.

Embrace low-impact exercises

Exercise is commonly recommended for people living with chronic pain. It can help reduce inflammation, build muscle strength, and enhance flexibility—all of which can help minimize pain. Plus, it offers other perks, like better cardiovascular health. Prioritize low-impact exercises that won’t stress your joints, such as swimming, water aerobics, spinning, and walking. Stretching is also helpful. Before starting any new physical activity, always check with your doctor to make sure it’s safe.

Invest in comfortable workout clothes

 When you work out, you want to feel comfortable. Look for workout clothes in sweat-wicking fabrics to keep you dry. Additionally, consider your body’s unique needs when selecting gym gear. For example, if you have chronic back pain because of a larger chest, you want to invest in a high-quality sports bra. You can shop for supportive bras for hard to fit sizes online. This will ensure that you have the support you need to break a sweat comfortably and can help reduce pain.

 Eat a pain-combatting diet

 The International Association for the Study of Pain reveals that nutrition can make a big difference in chronic pain. For example, dietary intake can impact the endocrine and nervous systems, directly changing how people experience pain. What you eat can also have a role in inflammation in the body, another factor in pain. Many experts recommend eating an anti-inflammatory diet high in antioxidants, omega-3 fats and oils, and vitamins and minerals. Stick to fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, and whole grains.

 Try therapeutic massage

 If you’re still struggling with chronic pain after making dietary and exercise changes, consider talking to your doctor about therapeutic massage. Research shows that massage can be useful in treating pain in the knees, hands, neck, and back, among other areas. One study found that a one-hour massage two to three times per week was effective in relieving chronic neck pain. This can be a great option if you are trying to avoid reliance on pharmaceutical medications for pain management.

 Find comfortable furniture for your home office

 If you are like many people who work from home, you have a space where you tend to do most of your work. Because you spend so much time in that space, it’s worthwhile to invest in furniture that provides for your comfort and doesn’t exacerbate your chronic pain issues. When selecting an office chair, look for one that provides the most adjustment capabilities. Having a chair optimally set up for your physiology is critical for comfort. You’ll also want to consider the quality of support it provides as well as its design.

 Don’t forget to address your mental health

 Chronic pain doesn’t just impact your body physically. It also takes a toll on your mind, as it can be very stressful to have constant discomfort day in and day out. Make sure you’re taking care of your emotional well-being, too. You might try meditation to reduce stress, for example. Guided meditations on YouTube or via apps can help. It’s also wise to seek support from other people who know what you’re going through. There are both online and in-person support groups for people dealing with chronic pain, which can be helpful.

Meditation can be a useful tool in promoting your health and well-being. Consider setting aside a space in your home for meditation and solitude. Find a quiet corner and a comfortable chair or cushion to sit on, then work on bringing your awareness towards your breath and the present moment.

 Chronic pain is extremely frustrating. However, there are still ways to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilled life with it. The above guide provides some tips to help.