It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the idea of going on outings when you suffer with chronic pain. However, having chronic pain does not mean that you are not permitted to have fun with your loved ones. We need to be able to get out and experience life just like anyone else. The most important part of choosing what activities for people with chronic pain that you are going to do, is knowing your body and your pain. You have to be realistic with yourself about what you are capable of. Another important thing to think about is the facilities available at wherever you are choosing to go. Is there a place to sit and rest? Is it easy for me to get to the car and leave if i need to? How much walking is required? These are important things to consider when deciding how to get out and experience life. Here are some suggestions of activities for people with chronic pain that may make outings more plausible.
6 activities for people with chronic pain
Farmers markets and street fairs
In small towns and big cities all over, there are street festivals, farmers markets, and craft fairs. These functions are great for several reasons. Primarily, you can tailor your outing to your own capabilities. If you can only walk a short distance, then you can stay as close to your car as you need to. If you can measure your ability to walk around in fractions of hours, or entire hours, then just be conscious of how long it will take for you to get back to the car, and where your pain levels are at. Farmers markets, fairs, and festivals are a great activities for people with chronic pain that allow you to support your community and sustainable practices, while placing yourself in an environment that you can customize to your needs.
Sunday (or any day) drive
I love to hop in the car and explore the countryside. This is a great way to get out and see the world from the comfort of a car seat. This idea of activities for people with chronic pain is dependent on your relationship with riding in cars. Some people cannot go very far at all in a car without being in absolute agony. For others, they are fine as they are seated. If riding in a car is comfortable to you, use that car to get yourself into the world. I have taken several road trips around the united states in a car. There are times where the pain rears it head, and you have to address the situation. But generally, going for drives and road trips can be a great way to get out of the house and see nature.
Antiquing
One of my favorite activities for people with chronic pain to do while out on those Sunday drive is antiquing. You never know when a antique store will pop up in the middle of nowhere, and they give you a chance to stretch your legs and look at neat stuff. It is especially fun if you have anything in particular that you are looking for. If you are into interior decorating, collect a certain brand or style of antique, or are looking for a specific piece that your mom or grandmother had, then antiquing literally becomes a treasure hunt. Also, when you are in a store and start hurting, that means that it is time to leave.
Picnics
Picnics are great because you can walk as far from your vehicle as you want before stopping to dine al fresco. If you chose the location well, you may even have the undivided attention of the family because of a lack of cell service. You can make the meal as easy, romantic, or extravagant as you want. Here are some great ideas for picnic meals. Picnics are really fun activities for people with chronic pain.
Walking tours of historic sites
There are historic sites and world heritage sites all over the place that we don’t necessarily know about. A simple internet search can help you find all sorts of interesting sites. While walking around the site you can learn something and you can rest or retreat if needed.
Swimming
Whether you prefer to swim in a lake, river, or pool, swimming is a great way to get out of the house, get some sun and get some exercise. Floating in water is a great way to ease the constant pressure on your body, and if the water is cold enough, it can also help with reducing inflammation. Further, swimming is a great way to get active when it seems to painful to do anything else.
These are just a few ideas that will get you out of the house and into the sun. It is far too easy to sit in a dark house and let pain dictate your exposure to the outside world. It is important to take your life into your own hands, and find out what your limitations are. These are a few ways to test your limits in a controlled way without too much risk. Get out there and experience life!
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