To All My Fellow Vendors Dealing with Chronic Pain: Tips for Staying Pleasant (Even When You’re Hurting)
To all my fellow vendors, creators, and market warriors navigating the world of chronic pain — this one’s for you.
You’re out there setting up booths, hauling bins, smiling for customers, and trying to remember if you packed the Square reader… all while managing a body that doesn’t always play nice. It’s not easy. In fact, some days, it feels downright impossible. But you show up anyway — and that’s kind of amazing.
Let me start by saying this: I am not an expert. I haven’t mastered inner peace, and I don’t always respond with grace when pain kicks me in the tail. But after a month (okay, a lifetime) of riding the chronic pain rollercoaster, I’ve picked up a few tricks — and also learned which ones I’m still really bad at.
So no, I’m not writing this from the mountaintop of enlightenment. I’m writing this from the couch — barefoot, slightly caffeinated, and definitely not wearing pants (because the Booth Boss doesn’t do pants, thank you very much). I’m reminding both of us that we can keep our cool (most of the time) even when our bodies feel like they’re stuck in a bear trap.
Here are a few hard-earned tips that might help you stay pleasant — or at least semi-tolerable — while vending with chronic pain. And yes, I absolutely say “do as I say, not always as I do.” Humor helps. A lot.
1. Give Yourself Permission to Be Honest
You don’t have to fake it. If you’re in pain, it’s okay to say something like, “I’m dealing with a rough patch today, but I’m glad you stopped by.” Customers appreciate realness, and sometimes being transparent helps lighten your emotional load too.
2. Build Your “Market Survival Kit”
Think beyond merchandise and displays. Pack for you. My must-haves include:
- A supportive chair
- Hot/cold packs
- Snacks and hydration
- Something soft to sit or stand on
- A small fan or hand warmer
- Emergency chocolate (or tea — you pick!)
Give your future self a little love — prep your booth like your comfort matters too. Because it does.
3. Take Breaks Without Guilt
You’re not lazy. You’re pacing. Step behind the booth curtain, close your eyes for 30 seconds, stretch, breathe, snack — whatever helps. Even a few quiet moments can reset your energy (and maybe your attitude).
4. Lead With Humor
There are days when my body feels like it was assembled by a sarcastic IKEA designer missing half the parts. On those days, a good laugh — even at my own expense — helps more than any painkiller. Laughter can’t cure pain, but it can make you easier to be around (even to yourself).
5. Know Your Limits, and Say No When You Need To
Can’t load your car alone? Ask for help. Need to pass on back-to-back markets? Do it. You’re running a business and managing your health. That’s no small thing. Protect your peace — your body will thank you later.
6. Remember: You’re Not Alone
So many of us in the vendor community are dealing with chronic pain, invisible illnesses, or disabilities. You are not weak for needing help or modifying how you work. You are strong for showing up anyway — and smart for figuring out how to make it sustainable.
7. Celebrate Just Showing Up
Even if your display isn’t perfect. Even if sales are slow. Even if you’re running on fumes and ibuprofen. You showed up. You’re here. And that counts for so much more than people realize.
On Your Days Off (If You Get One): Things to Reflect On and Practice
If you’re lucky enough to sneak in a day off between markets (or even a few hours), here are a few gentle reminders and mindset resets to help you keep going without burning out:
1. Allow Yourself to Be Human
Spoiler alert: You’re not a robot. (If you are, I have questions.) Some days are just hard. It’s okay to be grumpy. The trick is recognizing when you’re spiraling — and giving yourself permission to pause instead of pretending you’re fine when you’re not.
2. Laugh When You Can — Even If It’s at Yourself
I’m not saying pain is funny, but sometimes the things that happen because of pain absolutely are. Like the time I forgot what I was saying halfway through the sentence because my spine threw a tantrum. If you can’t laugh about it now, save it for later. You might.
3. Take a Breath Before You Snap
This one is hard, especially when you’re hurting and someone says something wildly unhelpful like, “Have you tried yoga?” But when you can catch yourself before the eye-roll or snappy comeback, you’ll thank yourself later.
4. Be Honest About Your Limits
People aren’t mind readers. (Unfortunately.) If you need to cancel, rest, or just not engage — say so. Protect your energy. And if someone doesn’t get it? That’s on them, not you.
5. Build a “Feel-Good” Toolkit
Mine includes heat packs, lavender oil, soft blankets, good music, a nice herbal tea, a good book, and a bubble bath. Whatever brings you peace or distraction — keep it handy. Sometimes the best way to be nice is to start with being nice to yourself.
6. Celebrate the Little Things
Did you get through the day without biting someone’s head off? Gold star. Got dressed? Bonus points. Sometimes, chronic pain turns life into a game of small wins — so notice them and give yourself credit. Seriously.
7. Find “Your People”
Some days you just need someone to say, “Yep, that sucks,” without trying to fix it. Surround yourself with the folks who get it, or at least try. Even one supportive person can make a huge difference.
8. Progress Over Perfection
You’re going to have moments where you’re not your best self. That doesn’t make you a bad person. Apologize when you need to, be kind to yourself, and try again tomorrow. We’re not aiming for sainthood — just survivable and semi-pleasant, right?
Something to Carry With You:
If you’ve ever sold soap with a smile while your back screamed, painted through a migraine, or lifted bins one-handed because the other arm wouldn’t cooperate — I see you. You’re not just a vendor. You’re a force. And pain or not — you’re doing one heck of a job.
Cynthia Freese (She, Her, Hers)
The Friendly Godmother of Made in Iowa
319 775 0458 MarionSun.com
