Module 11 - Making plans with pain - Te whakarite rautaki whakamauru mamae
The full resource:
Living with pain – and the fluctuations in intensity – can keep your focus on getting through the day as well as possible. This often means that it feels difficult or even impossible to plan ahead. Over time, this is one of the ways pain keeps control over what you do and don’t do.
You may feel like your life is going in a very different direction from what you were hoping or that going round in circles, struggling to see above all of the hurdles that pain puts in your path. If you feel you have lost sight of where you roughly want to be heading, your spirit and wairua can be struggling. This module will support you lift your sights to what is important to you and how you can move towards a future goal alongside your pain.
Here is a brief video about this module Introduction to the Making Plans with Pain Module
Watch More about making plans with pain with an explanation of benefits of making plans or read the document on Making Plans with Pain HE3260
Pain can take you away from important situations, people and even your core values. Take this moment to reflect on what these are and identify your top 3-4 values using the checklist HE3261
Having these front of mind, use this bull’s eye document HE3263 to reflect on different areas of your life and how aligned your action in these areas are with your values. Record your first response, rather than wrestling too hard with this exercise. Be aware that no-one will hits bull’s eye in every aspect all of the time. This activity may help you identify activities that you may have neglected or activities that are closely aligned with your values and can help you in deciding what to focus on when making your next plan.
Here is a video that explores that Choice Point model. It helps us consider how thoughts and behaviours can “hook” us, such that we move away from developing the kind of life we want. We can then identify what thoughts and behaviours could help us move back in the direction of building the life we want. The video also briefly introduces how our values can help us actively choose the direction we want to move towards.
When your plans and goals are determined by your values rather than by pain, your participation in activities is meaningful and sustainable. Here is a guide about the practical steps to what a plan might look like Making plans HE3262
For a more detailed look at the steps to consider, in particular how to break your plan into small and manageable chunks, use the goal setting guide bull’s eye document HE3263 to record your values and short-term and medium term goals.
The mental imagery audio may help you remember or visualise a success.
Due to the nature of chronic pain you may experience a pain flare up either while working on your plans or for no particular reason. It is near impossible to think straight and to come up with good ideas during these times, so please use this document to make a plan for your flare ups HE3265 Also - make a list of things you do while your pain is manageable. It may be helpful to have a list of activities that do not change your pain normally, as these might be things you can engage in during flare ups. Write these down on your phone or the fridge – easily accessible. It can be useful to look back and be reminded of strategies at times when it’s hard to remember.
This handout offers prompts that step you through the process of making a plan. Identify or write in what it is that you “Value” and want to do (more of). “My Plan is” prompts you to think about what you will be DOING differently living closer to your value. Then think about “Who”, “will you what”, “How”, “Under what conditions” “by when”.
Now watch the video of Nadine, Cara, Peter, Natalie, Stuart, Winnie, Bronwyn, Ron, Meg and Jacinda’s stories – and be inspired. You are not alone. Listen to the making plans stories
In summary:
By making plans and keeping your future in focus, lets your values, interests, skills and passions determine your activities – and not pain.