| Relax and Ease the Pain | | | | Distraction is a useful technique when you need to get |
| Pain isn't just physical. The way you think about pain, | | | | through a painful activity while you are waiting for your |
| your family situation and the amount of stress in your | | | | medicine to start working. here are some ideas: |
| life can make a big difference to how much pain you | | | | * Look out the window and concentrate on a pleasant |
| feel. | | | | sight. |
| As well as your medicine, physical activity and other | | | | * Think about something enjoyable you are going to do |
| methods of pain relief, you may find that relaxation and | | | | once you have finished the painful activity. |
| distraction techniques will lessen the pain. | | | | * Sing a favorite song. |
| Relaxation can help relieve the pain by relaxing tense | | | | * Think about eating your favorite food. |
| muscles that tend to make the pain worse. Worrying | | | | *Recall a favorite holiday, savor the sights seen, |
| about your arthritis and the future can also make your | | | | sounds heard tastes and feelings. |
| pain worse. | | | | The ideas are simply a starting point in managing your |
| Try to find ways of letting go and relaxing. This might | | | | arthritis. |
| include joining a self help group and talking with another | | | | Manage your Arthritis |
| person who has arthritis and has found new ways of | | | | * Learn as much as you can about arthritis |
| coping. | | | | * Work with others, your family and your doctor to find |
| Activities that combine physical and mental relaxation | | | | positive ways to deal with difficulties |
| such as yoga, Tai Chi for arthritis and going for a | | | | * Enjoy physical activity on good and bad days |
| relaxing walk can help you by taking the focus away | | | | * Find your balance between work and rest |
| from your pain and discomfort while increasing your | | | | * Do not do unnecessary jobs |
| joint mobility an strengthening your muscles. | | | | * Use relaxation techniques to deal with stress |
| Very gentle forms of relaxation like meditation which is | | | | * Research the medicines you are taking for any side |
| highly recommended and also taking a deep warm | | | | affects |
| bath can be especially helpful when you have a lot of | | | | * Do something indulgent, that is just for you, and you |
| pain. | | | | really enjoy at least once a week. |