Many arthritis sufferers struggle with many difficult aspects of the disease. There is nothing that they can do about having the disease. However, there are things that arthritis sufferers can do to cope with the pain and fatigue.
Stress comes with arthritis like jam goes with toast. When arthritis sufferers feel a cycle of pain that is exacerbate by pain, fatigue, negative feelings, and constant overall discomfort, they will feel like life is an uphill battle. Not only that, but this feeling of overwhelm can make arthritis sufferers feel stressed out and unhappy in the long run.
So, arthritis sufferers have to learn to de-stress. How can we do that consistently? Here are a few tips:
1. Don’t multi-task. This causes needless stress and hardship.
2. Don’t rush. Get to your destination early by leaving early. Don’t run and don’t push yourself to get a more and more done every day.
3. Take time for yourself every day. You may want to just sit and read. Or you may want to watch a wonderful movie. Whatever you do, make sure it’s something that you would love to do.
4. Take three deep breaths a few times a day–say morning, noon, and dinnertime. This will really help you to be calmer and more capable to doing some of the things that you are doing with equanimity and poise.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to successfully de-stress and will be able to cope more effectively with your health and how you feel.
Irene S. Roth
Author and Editor
Arthritis Blog 