If you have rheumatoid arthritis, then you know how painful it can be to perform ordinary tasks. Even buttoning buttons or writing a letter can cause you a great deal of pain. Doctors have not yet found a cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but there are several things you can do to make yourself more comfortable as you go through the day. When you follow these simple tips, you can alleviate pain and enjoy your life to the fullest.
Keep a Positive Attitude
One of the best things that you can do to manage your pain is to think positively. A sunny outlook will help you to cope with your pain while also providing you with the ability to minimize the effects of stress. Stress can cause your body to react negatively, which may cause the inflammation and pain of your rheumatoid arthritis to get worse. Rather than getting mad or upset, do some deep breathing exercises. Picture yourself in a peaceful environment, and focus on relaxing and breathing deeply. Your heart rate will soon go back to its normal rate, and you will start to feel more peaceful. These exercises are ideal for people who notice that their pain gets worse when they are upset and stressed.
Stay Active
It is very important that you stay active despite your rheumatoid arthritis. The key is to determine which activities you can do freely and which cause you pain. Keep a pain journal so that you can make notes of how you feel before and after doing a new activity. If your pain worsens, avoid that activity or modify it so that you can do it without hurting.
Don't Overdo It
It is very easy to do more than you planned, which can cause you to be in pain before you realize what you have done. Schedule your housework over several days, and find ways to make it easier on yourself. Use a dumbwaiter to transfer loads of laundry or belongings between floors. Invest in a vacuum with a larger handle, and avoid gripping rags or brushes for long periods of time. Aim for one housecleaning task each day, and make sure that you pay attention to how your body feels. If it starts to hurt, then stop. If you do too much, then you will suffer for it long after your housework is finished.
Rheumatoid arthritis can be debilitating, and you may wonder if you will ever be able to enjoy your favorite activities. When you follow these tips, you may be able to manage it a little bit better so that you can still live an enjoyable lifestyle.
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