In this episode, I talk about one of my favorite things to teach- having more rest, pleasure and fun in your life.

Most people with chronic pain are devoted, high achieving, hard working, people pleasing givers who have a hard time taking time for themselves.

But this concept is research based, and actually shows that when your pain or emotions are high the best thing to do is to distract rather than try to work through it and process.

We often think we should be working on healing all of the time, but sometimes our nervous system just needs a break, and avoidance behaviors can help you get more regulated.

So instead of meditating or journaling, you may watch a funny show or read a book (NOT about pain).

Then when you are regulated and your sensations are at a more manageable level, you can do the cognitive or emotional processing at that point.

When you do distracting activities with intent, they can be soothing for your nervous system.

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