Inactivity also increases your risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, putting you at increased risk for heart attack and stroke. In addition, inactivity can disrupt your sleep and worsen fatigue, stress and anxiety as well as your pain. A common misconception is that exercise increases pain. Just the opposite, exercise can help reduce it. These chemicals also help alleviate anxiety and depression, conditions that can make your pain more difficult to control.
Many people find that as their fitness improves, so does their mood.
Here are some suggestions from Mayo Clinic on Chronic Pain to help you keep up your motivation. Start with simple goals and then progress to longer-range goals. People who can stay physically active for six months usually end up making regular activity a habit. Remember to make your goals realistic and achievable. It s easy to get frustrated and give up on goals that are too ambitious.