4 ways to manage Rheumatoid Arthritis during periods of stress

Many individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis find that flare ups and stressful situations often go together. Following these tips and learn how to manage the disease effectively during periods of stress.

Exercise is one of the best stress busters for individuals with RA. However, when joints feel painful and fatigue overwhelms, it's difficult to feel up to exercising. Regular physical activity offers many benefits. It helps relieve stress, it boosts mood, and increases strength. Other benefits of regular exercise include improved range of motion and reduced levels of pain.

While it's impossible to completely escape stress, it is possible to reduce the impact of stress on RA. Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, progressive relaxation, guided imagery, and deep breathing work well for reducing stress. Relaxation techniques not only reduce stress, but they also help boost mood and ease pain.

When going through periods of stress, it is often difficult to stick with a routine. However, sticking to a familiar routine makes it easier to deal with the daily challenges that come with RA. Sticking to a consistent medication schedule is important. Never skip doctor's appointments or medication doses. A routine also makes it easier to sleep well, which is important, since studies show that a lack of sleep can actually increase inflammation in individuals with RA.

Stop trying to deal with RA and stress alone. Seeing a therapist or psychologist may help RA sufferers learn how to cope with the disease, as well as the stress that often occurs at home and at work. A therapist may even prescribe medication for depression or anxiety, which may prove helpful for some individuals. Joining a support group helps eliminate feelings of isolation for individuals with RA, and support group meetings often teach new ways to deal with RA symptoms.