Pain is also a top reason for visits to emergency departments and general practitioners.

When it occurs, the first reaction is often to take a painkiller. But natural solutions also exist to help relieve pain.

Meditation

A practice that dates back over 4,000 years, meditation is one option for pain management – particularly mindfulness meditation.

It consists of being attentive to the present moment, and identifying what is going on within oneself, namely one’s thoughts, emotions and perceptions.

The practice also requires being aware of what is happening in one’s immediate environment, such as noises and smells.

The idea is to acknowledge them and embrace them with acceptance. According to several studies, meditating could reduce the intensity of pain and have an analgesic effect.

Diaphragmatic breathing

With stress and increasingly fast-paced lifestyles, people tend to forget one basic essential: breathing.

When you feel pain, your body tends to tense up and your breathing becomes faster and more irregular. This can increase fatigue, cause numbness, muscle tension and increase the heart rate.

As such, diaphragmatic breathing – also known as abdominal or belly breathing – “brings breathing back to a normal rhythm and helps reduce these unpleasant sensations”, explains French association Accord.

To try it out, keep your back straight and relax. Place one hand on your belly and the other on your chest to feel the breath.

Now breathe in through your nose for a long time, while inflating your belly, then breathe out while pulling your belly back in. Repeat this action for five to 10 minutes.

Peppermint oil

An essential oil may provide relief. If you’re experiencing headaches, for example, why not try peppermint? The menthol in this oil gives it an analgesic power.

It should be applied in small quantities on the temples, the wrists, or on the forehead.

Its refreshing smell makes it a perfect ally when fatigue hits. Various essential oils can be a handy addition to your first aid kit.