PAIN! PAIN! PAIN!

I look like a 35-year-old but my knees are at least 70 years old, my back is 82, and my shoulders, joints and everything else is 95!  Who can relate?

In the last year and a half, I have ached in every single part of my body.  It started, innocently, or so I thought with joint pains.  It became a chore to sit, lay down and sometimes even walk.  The pain was only compounded after a night's rest.  I would awake to frozen joints and muscles, which could result in either the inability to move or grabbing my trusted chest-of-drawers, to keep me balanced and upright! 

I used to roll or pull myself to the edge of the bed and gently raise my body with my arms.  More recently, getting out of bed means, slowly opening my eyes, allowing my brain and body to recognise that I am indeed awake and then slowly climbing out of bed. 

Pain! Pain! Pain!

This new dispensation therefore requires a shift in mindset:  how can I move from this phase to a less painful existence.  

Here are a few things that I am doing, slowly but surely:

Walking - I started a daily walk about three weeks ago.  The goal was 5,000 steps per day.  What I recognised about the walk is that it not only helped to clear my mind but allowed me to exercise the core of my body.  The movement, though taxing on my lower extremities has helped to increase my endurance.  From a winded one-lap walk, I'm now up to three-laps per day and exceeding the initial goal of 5,000 steps.

Exercise - I have had many failed attempts at exercising.  I got dumb bells for Christmas and a Yoga mat more recently.  I have used both probably a total of one hour in the last six months.  But, exercise works.  Tara MD says that exercise helps to mitigate against metabolic dysfunction, improve sleep quality, decrease insomnia and possibly reduce hot flashes.  And we know the other benefits such as toning the body, improve circulation and strengthen bones and muscles.  Truth be told, I am trying with the exercise but the pain! Jesus!

Stretching - Now this has helped. While I don't do it daily, I find that regular stretching helps to reduce the pain somewhat, but consistency is important, and I am working on that.

Frequent massages - Another area that I am working on.  I have had a total of one massage in the past four months. But, massages help to improve mental health, increase relaxation and allows your body to be more flexible.

What are some methods that you are using to reduce pain on your journey? Feel free to share in the comments.