Chronic pain is an isolating and invisible illness that can take over most aspects of your life. Chronic pain is complex and affects you both physiologically, psychologically and socially. Whilst pharmaceuticals and medical treatments can alleviate some of your pain, research has shown that a multidisciplinary approach using a bio-psycho-social model has better pain management outcomes.
According to a study in the Art Therapy Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, forty minutes of doing something artistic significantly reduces cortisol levels. The American Journal of Public Health reports that artistic engagement through visual arts, music, movement based creative expression and expressive writing can improve physical and psychology well-being and quality of life.
So how can engaging in a creative pursuit help?
Undertaking creative activities such as painting, drawing, writing, or playing an instrument, can:
- Act as a form of symptom relief by shifting focus and distracting from the pain
- Help you relax and improve your mood, which can help reduce pain symptoms
- Help you better manage mental health issues arising from pain
- Provide a sense of self control, improve self-confidence and self -esteem
- Be cathartic, as it allows you the freedom to express difficult emotions in non-verbal ways
- Improve cognitive health
- Give you a sense of purpose and achievement
- Enables you to form social connections
You do not have to be arty to find a creative pursuit. Just be open to exploring your creativity and find what works for you.
Don’t be afraid to give creativity a go, you have nothing to lose. For all you know it could be one more strategy to add to your pain tool bag.
Do you find that creativity helps you cope better with you pain? If so, please share your experiences below.
