Chronic pain is a problem for many people, and while medication can be an effective solution, it also often brings with it uncomfortable side effects. But there are other ways to deal with pain, too. Harvard Health notes:

Research suggests that because pain involves both the mind and the body, mind-body therapies may have the capacity to alleviate pain by changing the way you perceive it. How you feel pain is influenced by your genetic makeup, emotions, personality, and lifestyle. It’s also influenced by past experience. If you’ve been in pain for a while, your brain may have rewired itself to perceive pain signals even after the signals aren’t being sent anymore.

Doctors suggest six possible techniques for training your mind to handle pain better: deep breathing, eliciting the relaxation response, meditation, mindfulness, yoga or tai chi, and positive thinking. Download a PDF of the Harvard Health post if you’d like to learn more.