Living withpsoriatic arthritiscan be draining, both physically and mentally.
Thats why caring for your overall well-being is an extremely important part of psoriatic arthritis management.
Understandably, navigating all of this can affect your quality of life.
Time outdoors can be a part of psoriatic arthritis management.
Heres what they recommend doing forpsoriatic arthritis management.
Spend time being active outdoors.
She says she notices her mood improves after getting fresh air and movement.
Its amazing how simple things can improve mental health and the way we feel, she says.
And exercise in whatever form you prefer can helprelieve joint painand stiffness.
Gardening is a huge factor in managing my psoriatic arthritis.
It not only helps with keeping my body in motion but also reduces stress, she tells SELF.
Try deep breathing exercises.
Speaking of stress, theres no doubt that dealing withchronic paincan be a lot.
Its almost like creating the space for you to relax, Davinia says.
Youll know youre doing it right if only the hand on your stomach moves.
Change your routine to better suit your abilities whenever you’re free to.
Its easy to get down on yourself when you have a chronic illness.
Im never pain-free, but thats okay.
Im just kinder to myself and have accepted that as my new normal, she tells SELF.
Share your experience with loved ones.
Canceling plans over and over again can make you feel guilty.
Telling the people around me that I am experiencing a flare is important for me, and for them.
Dont be afraid of asking for assistance when you need it.
Allowing yourself to ask for help can be easier when you accept thatyou cant do it all.
Know that youre not a failure for admitting that youre human and have limits.
Find a community that gets it.
Many people with psoriatic arthritisand any chronic health conditionsay they sometimes feel isolated in their experience.
On particularly hard days, Jennifer says she finds comfort in talking to other individuals managing psoriatic arthritis.
Finding what makes you feel better may require some experimentation.
Footnotes:
1.Mayo Clinic, Psoriatic Arthritis
2.
Cleveland Clinic, 7 Strange Things Stress Can Do to Your Body
Related:
