Immerse yourself
Mindfulness is about being present in that exact moment, whether you’re meditating or not. Pick an activity that brings you pleasure – a poetry reading, walking, going for a bike ride or cooking for friends. Now focus completely on the task, and immerse yourself in the pleasure it brings. Be attentive to every detail – the smell, feel, taste and texture. Immerse yourself in every sensation. Be aware how your senses are responding and how that makes you feel. Then take this practice with you in life. A total awareness of what’s happening in the moment can take you away from anxious thoughts. By taking your mind off what’s hurting you, it’s possible to override established pain signals.