Arthritis and Stress Management TechniquesRegardless of arthritis, 70 to 90-percent of the general population reports being stressed, which can sure add to pain and ill health issues. So prevention and self-care are in order. Here are some ways to deal with stress: Assertiveness TrainingFor some reason, especially if others are older than you, at the mention of arthritis, people can try to minimize what you’re going through, thinking they are older and you shouldn’t be complaining about your “aches and pains.” Well, tough. Age has nothing to do with arthritis or your pain. And others may get caught up in their own lives too much from time to time to notice, but you are important. And so is your health and your pain relief. So take charge and take care of yourself. Learn to say “no” to unhealthy activities that strain your joints. Slow down and use aids where you need to like grips in the stairways, a walking cane or athletic shoes instead of heeled dress shoes. Your health and pain relief is very important. Coping Skills TrainingLearn to cope better by improving three areas: your thinking, behavior and lifestyle. Thought-wise, start thinking more about the positives instead of negatives. For example, there are many more treatment options available today for arthritis. And that’s a very positive ideology to focus on. Be a volunteer for those less fortunate than you are to get a different perspective on life. Behavior-wise, get more organized. Allow time to plan, shop for and prepare your meals and menus. Allow time for activities, exercises and other self-care necessities. Use a planner or notebook and pencil to jot down daily goals and things to do so that they get done. And do allow time for venting and sharing your frustrations with a close friend. Work in humor whenever possible to lighten the load and make life more enjoyable. And plan fun things into your life; trips, hikes, etc. Lifestyle-wise, shuffle some of these into your routine:
RelaxationThe importance of relaxation in controlling and treating disease in general has only recently been recognized throughout the medical industry, yet its implementation still lags and the general public still does not understand its effectiveness. Relaxation techniques, especially those involving meditation, have been seen as a bunch of “mumbo jumbo” for many years, until the findings of scientists and doctors that showed immense benefits to this practice became more prevalent. Relaxation techniques have a definite place in the healing process of the body, and with arthritis the case is no different. With certain types of arthritis, the importance of relaxation is increased, since stress and emotional disposition play a large part in them. Prayer is a form of relaxation and meditation if you are spiritually or religiously inclined that also works wonders. Either following a minister or someone else leading prayer, or formulating your own inspirational prayer, you can pull upon the comfort of God as you see him taking your pain away. Again mental and physical benefits are realized from such a practice. For more information, click > Arthritis Relief |