Getting out of your house to socialize is good for you, especially when you’re with someone who can lighten your mood or make you laugh. Laughter can be the best medicine. When you laugh, your body produces its own natural painkillers. Laughter improves your mood and helps lessen depression and anxiety.
- Go see a funny movie or invite a friend over and watch a comedy together.
- Accept that doing something that’s fun may result in short-lived pain; however, allowing yourself to have fun may well be worth such temporary pain and has the long-term benefit of reducing your isolation and building your social skills.
- Keep your breakthrough medicine in your back pocket when you go out; knowing that pain relief is available will ease your fears and let you to relax and have a good time.
- With practice, your outings will improve. Once you have gone out a few times and managed your pain successfully, each new outing will be easier and more enjoyable.
Talking about and dwelling on pain makes it worse and may cause others to avoid socializing with patients with pain. Save your discussion of pain for your doctor, your therapist, or your support group. Focus on companionship and having a pleasant time when you visit with friends.