Last year I retired.
I was fortunate to have a long and rewarding career as a clinical and rehabilitation psychologist.
Ninety per cent of my work, over 35 years, involved helping people cope with severe and disabling forms of long-term (or chronic) pain. With each person, I tried to embrace a deep understanding of how chronic pain affected their lives.
I even enjoyed testifying in court, on their behalf, strange as that may seem.
The physical pain they experienced often caused additional stress, losses of work and income, insomnia, anxiety and depression.
Pain Limits Functioning
Physical pain can also cause significant interference in one’s mental functioning. This is why pain and productivity don’t mix.
Imagine trying to focus on a task when a fire alarm is blaring near you, or trying to concentrate near a distressed baby, who can’t stop crying.
Your productivity would be drastically reduced in these situations.
Intense pain can interfere with your functioning in a similar way.
If your pain is short-term, you may take a few hours off work and resume working when you feel better. This is not so easy when your pain continues day after day, month after month.
Approximately 10-15% of the population suffers from pain every day, for years on end. And every day they struggle to function physically and mentally.
Why is Chronic Pain So Overwhelming for So Many People? (a free ebook)
This is a big question – too big to cover in a blog about productivity.
This question is covered in detail in an ebook I wrote a few years ago (by the same name). You are all welcome to a free copy, which you can download here.
This ebook explains the nature of chronic pain, its effects on your body and mind, some ways to lessen its impact, and various strategies to help you get back on the road to a productive life.
Check it out.
Another Free eBook Coming Soon
In the next 2 weeks, as promised, you will be able to download a more extensive set of strategies (101+) to help build your strongest mind and boost your productivity.
So stay tuned.
Until next time, let our warm hearts soar!
Michael
michael@aWarmHeart.ca
And thank you for caring that little bit extra – it really makes a big difference.
