Self care tips for RA

[Thinkingofausername1]

I've noticed there are a few of us on here with RA and various chronic illness.
Lately, I've been thinking about what is important in life. I've spent so much time being there for 'others' that I've not really looked after myself.
So my new rule for Autumn is to look after myself. And to accept when my body needs to rest. What are your self care tips for RA?

I have a condition that causes RA as part of it, and these are just the things that work for me. They may not work for you at all, but they make a huge difference in my quality of life. And to everyone having to deal with this - it can be so tough.

1. Never be ashamed to say “no.” Such a huge part of self-care with RA is knowing when you need to turn down an invitation or not go out, or not volunteer to bring a snack for a meeting or something. Those who care for you, or even just decent people, should never be upset with your needs.

1. There’s nothing wrong with rest and naps. We have these ingrained ideas about when it’s okay to rest and what constitutes laziness, but RA really changes that. Pain is incredibly draining, and your body needs rest when it needs it. If you need to sit down, sit down. If you need a nap (and have time for it), take it.

1. Money that saves you pain is NOT wasted money. If grocery delivery costs a few extra dollars but saves you from added pain so that you can use your “good” hours to spend with your family or play with your kids or devote more time to work projects if that’s what works for you, then that’s not wasted money so don’t ever feel guilty about it. Likewise, any benefits you receive are not “wasted” taxpayer money if you have good days - those benefits are to try to help you have more good days.

1. You need to become as good as possible at communicating. Any short falls in communicating will be brought in to such, such sharp relief when you’re in pain or having a bad day. The more you’re able to communicate how you feel and what you can handle, the better your relationships will be. The less you communicate, the less others understand, and the more sad and even resentful you may become. It can be really hard sometimes, but I never regret taking extra time to talk to my husband about what’s going on and it helps me to not take the “bad days” out on him.

1. Being your own medical advocate is a form of self-care. No one is more invested in keeping you healthy than you - not your doctors, not even your closest family members, because they can’t feel your pain. Keep up with the latest research, don’t be afraid to tell your doctor when something isn’t working, take advantage of every medical resource you can (including complementary things like nutritionists), and don’t be afraid to speak up.

1. “Enjoying the simple things” sounds like so much BS, but it really can help sometimes (sometimes I want to light “the little things” on fire ). I write down how I feel and good, small things about each day because on bad days, it can seem like you’ve had nothing but bad days for 100 days, and looking back at what I’ve written reminds me that there was good stuff, and I start looking for more good stuff.

Hope at least one of these can maybe help someone else who is struggling. I know the bad days with RA can just feel so bad sometimes.

Also this is a great idea, OP. Really hoping others chime in; I would love some ideas and advice.

Yoga!!! Nothing has helped me more. Even in a flare it is so so helpfuk

helpful lol.