Exercise:  Prolonged exercise lifts the spirits and reduces pain, as evidenced by the “runners’ high” which is driven by the naturally produced painkillers, endorphins.

Don’t bottle it up:  Talking about your emotions helps – one reason why women are less at risk from illness after a bereavement.

Don’t self-medicate: Dulling pain with alcohol, recreational drugs or too many prescription painkillers can turn recoverable trauma into lifelong dependency or addition.

Don’t get overtired:  Tiredness exacerbates pain, especially in women.  Fatigue is often reported with chronic pain, though less so in men, whose higher testosterone levels make their muscles more resistant to fatigue.

Try mindfull meditation: By concentrating on your moment-to-moment experience you can – through repeated practice – achieve a greater sense of control and enhanced emotional wellbeing.

Times Online.