Each Monday, we’ll look at ways to cope well with pain and how to get yourself to use helpful techniques regularly.  It’s your at-home pain management class!

Do you eat healthy every day, or on some days, do you have that 10th piece of chocolate?  Do you exercise at least 3 times each week, keeping up with this week after week, month after month?

None of us is perfect, and we can all use a boost.  Even habits and practices that we know are good for us are hard to keep doing.  Starting a new habit takes a lot of effort and focus – it takes at least 30 days for something to become routine.

Today, I’ll share some interesting sites that might just give you that needed lift to use your skills to decrease and cope with pain, as well as practice other good habits.

Hi-tech sites that can help you track your habit:

• The Habitizer:  This site lets you track your habit online, and will send send you reminders to practice.

• Walker Tracker:  This site lets you track how many steps you take… how close to 10,000 a day are you?  They also offer groups to join, to encourage yourself and others.

Sites that offer great information about sticking with your habit:

• Health Skills - This article includes “10 thoughts to help people weave new habits into their lives.”  Great ideas!
• Zen Habits - One of my favorite blogs for thoughts on improving your life.  This site offers forums to join to help you stick with any habit you’re changing.
• One Big Health Nut - This article makes suggestions for new year’s resolutions.
• A Winning Life With RSD - This is a site by a pain management coach.  Often individualized feedback can help you achieve your goals.

Are there other sites, tips or tricks that you’d love to share and recommend?  Also, I’m interested in hearing how you’re doing with practicing your pain management skills.  Let me know in the comments!

Other articles in this series:

• How to change a habit, part 1
• How to change a habit, part 2
• Breathing exercises, part 1
• Relaxation exercise
• How to succeed with your new habit
• Breathing exercises, part 2
• Cats succeeding at their New Year’s resolution
• Visualization
• Guided imagery, part 1
• Guided imagery, part 2
• Stress management, part 1
• Stress management, part 2
• Why people with pain can’t sleep
• 9 tips to get better sleep