Module 4 - Think, feel, do - Whakaaro, rongo, mahi

In this module we explore the impact that pain can have on thoughts and feelings. We also start to get an idea of some helpful changes you can make, like becoming aware of your thoughts and ways to reframe thoughts. Here is a brief introduction 

Learn more about how your brain works by reading about the Old and New Brain HE3224 and watch the video on the three main parts of your brain 

[illustrations of the three parts of the brain]

Understand more about what thoughts are - and how they influence many different aspects of your experience, including pain–Understanding Thoughts HE3219

Discover the impact of pain thoughts - how thinking affects how you feel, what you do and your body - Impact of Pain Thoughts HE3220 and listen to Lorraine exploring this further  

Uncover some common “thinking traps” we all fall into and how to change thought patterns - Thinking Traps HE3223

You are invited to explore connections between your personal situations, thoughts, feelings, body sensations, and behaviours using a structured framework Thought Record HE3222

Tips:

Become aware of your thoughts

Your brain will constantly create thoughts. That's ok, this is just what brains do. It can be helpful examine which thoughts are more helpful than others, and pay more attention to helpful ones. It can also be helpful to acknowledge “tricky thoughts” as “just thoughts”, and then allow them to pass.

Create distance from your thoughts

Try this practice called “leaves on a stream” 

This technique creates some distance from your thoughts and feelings, which can reduce the intensity of them and lessen the power they have over your actions.

Do something soothing

Try this practice called “safe place imagery” 

This technique uses the thinking part of the brain to access a state of safeness and to calm your nervous system. You can use this imagery practice to strengthen your ability to handle stress, to deal with tricky thoughts and feelings as they arise. Remember you can use this imagery technique even when feeling overwhelmed.

Here are some patient stories of how looking into this has helped them