Physical pain, impairment, or disability comes in various forms. It may result from injury, disease, unrelenting stress, illness or surgery. For most people, the associated pain, reduced range of motion and dysfunctional living may be a temporary state. For others, such conditions linger and disrupt almost every aspect of their lifestyle, and the mere passage of time does not bring about healing and recovery. In such cases, an aggressive, persistent and graduated sequence of activities may prove to be restorative. Here are guidelines that have been found to be helpful in coping effectively with chronic states of disability.

1. Learn to relax. Relax for at least 20 minutes a day. Research has shown that relaxation can lead to better decision-making, clearer thinking, and increased energy. Use progressive relaxation, yoga, biofeedback, exercise, catnaps, and/or meditation.
2. Learn when to take an emotional breather. We pressured begin to build and get intense, take some time out. Go for a walk, read a book, see a movie—anything that will help you relax just when you need it. You may gain some distance from your problem, and with it, some perspective.
3. Build up physical strength. Exercise diverts from problem-oriented thinking and increases energy and strength. According to Dr. Donald Rockwell, aerobic exercise can “lower your thermostat” to its normal level.. Make daily use of systematic walking opportunities.
4. Express anger appropriately. When you are angry, do not hold it to yourself and buy an ulcer with silence. Learn to express fairly and with consideration, but be sure to speak up. Denying anger may lead to chronic, serious physical and emotional problems.
5. Make your home your castle. Everything outside your front door may be outside of your control, but make sure your home is comfortable and organized. A haven when you really need one is the essence of a home for those in distress.
6. Set priorities. You cannot do everything and you certainly cannot do everything well. Rather than be frantic, make a list of things you must do, in their order of importance. Set out to do them systematically, without pressure. Start with an easy task.
7. Don’t rely on tranquilizers and other drugs. Drugs are not a cure for anxiety, pain or discomfort. At best, they may be a crutch support while you confront underlying problems through other methods, such as psychotherapy. Drugs may create other problems. Research has shown that anti-anxiety medications, such as Valium, may lower concentration, decrease reading skills and increase the difficulty of manual tasks. One study revealed that Librium may actually increase tension and produce feelings of aggression. Remember alcohol is a highly addictive drug, as is cigarette smoking and a host of allergy drugs.
8. Talk out your problems. Problems seem much worse when you keep them to yourself. Talking to a spouse or a trusted friend can lighten your load and make anxieties fade. These confidants may give you a different perspective on worries. Enlisting support and caring from friends and/or a professional may be helpful to you.
9. Stop worry behavior. Try to keep your worries in perspective. Dean Williams R. Inge said worry is “interest paid on trouble before it is due.” Take action to replace worry.

In summary, physical and emotional disability need not be devastating or the basis of chronic dysfunctional living. Granted, many people experience events which have had a curtailing influence upon their physical strength and general health. One can approach a situation like this in a passive and defeated manner and essentially submit to the forces that have played a major role in bringing about the state of disability. Alternatively, one can approach such situations from the point of view of recovery and healthy living. Even if lifestyle needs to be altered, temporarily or permanently, daily living can be satisfying, meaningful and worth sharing with others. To a large degree, it is a choice. Beyond that, it is determination, direction and the exercise of a living faith. Go for it!!!