In any given year, approximately one in four adults experiences persistent pain. How you cope with this ailment at home can make a big difference in your quality of life and ability to recover after being bedridden. Fortunately, many natural ways to manage pain don’t require a trip to the doctor. They are simple and cost-effective options that can help you feel much better without the side effects of dangerous drugs.

Acupressure mat

An acupressure mat is a great way to relieve pain and promote relaxation, though you may not think that the first time you see one! These mats have a design with tiny spikes that can be placed over points of pain. They do not hurt. I promise! Just lay down on the mat slowly and spread your weight evenly over the spikes.

The spikes stimulate the nerves, increasing blood flow and bringing pain-killing endorphins to the area. Any acupressure mat can be helpful for pain, but specific ones designed for pain relief have a larger surface area with more spikes per square inch. A quality pain relief acupressure mat is typically made of 100% natural materials like cotton, rubber, and plastic.

Gentle exercise

Gentle exercise can improve blood flow, which can help relieve pain. If you have a condition that limits your mobility, there are exercises you can do while sitting in a chair or lying on a bed. Or you can find a local support group to help you get moving again. Exercise can have powerful long-term benefits, even after the pain is gone. It can reduce your risk of chronic conditions and improve your mood. When you’re in pain, it can be challenging to motivate yourself to exercise. That’s why it’s essential to start with something gentle and low-impact. Walking is one of the most effective and recommended ways to relieve pain.

CBD or Medical Marijuana

CBD or medical marijuana can be effective for the relief of pain, anxiety, and sleeplessness. The best option depends on what type of pain you’re experiencing. There are many different formulations of CBD on the market, and some are better than others. Read the label and research to find out what works best for you. CBD oil can be taken orally, applied topically, or smoked. As of right now, CBD is legal in all 50 states.

Marijuana, however, is still federally illegal, even though many states have legalized it for recreational and medical use. Check the laws in your state before purchasing. Do you know where you stand legally? Then you can buy the right strength for your pain and any accessories you might need, such as preroll packaging. Use marijuana responsibly, please.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a common ingredient in Indian dishes but has medicinal benefits, including pain relief. In fact, turmeric has been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy for pain. It’s estimated that only about 10% of turmeric is absorbed into your bloodstream. The rest is passed through your digestive tract and expelled as waste. This is why turmeric is usually taken in higher doses. Research shows that turmeric is as effective as ibuprofen for treating pain and inflammation. One way to ensure you get the most out of turmeric is to consume it with black pepper. Black pepper increases your body’s absorption of turmeric by up to 2,000%.

When managing pain, it’s important to remember that the best solution is usually the least invasive one. Natural remedies are a great way to reduce your pain without taking drugs. They can also help you avoid the adverse side effects of certain pain medications.

Gratitude & Granola Guide

This is the perfect season to focus on gratitude, and when paired with a healthy breakfast, it creates the perfect morning ritual to get you on track.

It's no surprise that gratitude can improve your mental health and overall outlook on life, but you might not know that it has many benefits for your physical health, as well. In this guide, I'll take you through six ways gratitude improves your health - and I'll leave you with some simple, healthy breakfast ideas to boot. Get my free guide!