Use Art to Stay Positive when You've Overdone It
Sometimes, I completely overdo it and I know the arthritis pain I’m experiencing is a result of my over-exerting myself physically.
In my last post, I provided some practical tips on how the handle the negative emotional aspects of a high pain or illness day. Today, I’d like to expand on this topic and discuss specifically how to use art when you are exhausted and in pain.
Use music
This might be a strategy you already employ on “bad days” but it’s often so simple, I forget how useful it can be. I have ready-made playlists with inspiring music to listen to on high pain days. Having music in the background helps distract me from pain, and I find depending on the song, the lyrics can be inspiring and help me keep going.
Use audio notes to record ideas
When I’m in too much pain to make art, I record audio notes to myself of ideas and projects I’d like to try when I have more energy. Like a sketchbook, audio notes can help you keep track of inspiration as it comes to you.
Use audio books, podcasts and free library resources to keep you company
Holding heavy books can be too much for my arthritic hands and arms on a high pain day. As a result, I use a tablet instead of holding physical copies of books. I also use podcasts and audiobooks to keep myself occupied and/or distracted from pain. Many public libraries offer free online resources to borrow audiobooks, digital copies of books and more.
Let me know if you try any of these strategies. If you find this post helpful, let me know in the comments below.