How do you fill your time?

Learning how to navigate life with RA can be challenging, especially when being recently diagnosis and having to adjust to so many things. Have you been able to see a Rheumatologist yet? Seeing a doctor and getting a treatment plan will be an important part to how you will cope and manage your pain. Here are some things you can consider: Listen to
-During a flare, listen to your body and give it the rest it needs. Pushing yourself too hard can potentially worsen the flare and prolong your recovery.
-Work with your healthcare team to develop a pain management plan. This might involve medications, physical therapy, hot/cold therapy, or other techniques to alleviate discomfort.
-Stay Active: Low-impact exercises recommended by your doctor or physical therapist can help maintain joint mobility and prevent stiffness.
-Pace Yourself during Activities: Break down tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. Allow for plenty of breaks and rest in between activities.
-Set Realistic Goals: During flares, it might be necessary to adjust your expectations and set more realistic goals for yourself. Celebrate small achievements.
As others chime in I hope it will help you to put together a plan that will work best for you. Just remember to be patience with yourself and give yourself grace as you navigate through this. There will be a lot of new discoveries as you're starting out but over time you will learn what works best for you and your body. If there is ever anything else you need feel free to ask! Many have been where you are. All the best, Latoya (Team Member)

This is a fantastic question, actually, and something that every one of us who lives with rheumatoid arthritis has to figure out. I’m currently laid up, recovering from a long-awaited surgery, and I have TONS of time to fill. It’s not exactly a flare up, per se, but the pain, fatigue, and discomfort are pretty much the same as if it was. SO I am now trying to fill my time, watching shows, working here and on our Facebook pages, and so on, and, frankly, the days are long and a little… boring? I have a hobby of video games so that helps to take up my time so my best advice is find something you can do that doesn’t involve to much physical or mental exertion. Something that helps to distract from the pain and discomfort of RA and its co-morbidities. Hopefully today is a lower pain day. Keep on keepin’ on, DPM

Hey there!


As the others have answered, this is a terrific question and one I know so many can relate to.
After diagnosis life changes and I think the question of "what is my purpose?" comes up for many folks. You may have felt you had that figured out and then when RA came along it shifted your perspective.
As so perfectly put it listening to your body during a flare is of utmost importance. Finding what works for you is key.
What many of us do during a flare is often different than what we do when we aren't flaring. When I am feeling a bit flared I tend to go easier on myself. I lower my expectations of productivity as far as workload and household chores. I focus on really taking care of my body, mind and soul.
This is actually something I think that is quite important. Finding the balance of body, mind, and spirit. For me art is important. I find joy in creating. My preferred medium is digital, specifically video. (I have a YouTube channel called Warriornation where I help others find their power in pain) That allows me to feel purposeful as well.


I can't stress enough the importance of finding joy. It is what gets me out of bed in the morning. That, I suppose, is how I spend my time. Filling my joy cup 😀


Stay awesome fellow warriors!!


Lori

I use distraction when I’m in a lot of pain, listening to music helps but my SuperPower is disappearing into a book - I devour them! Reading can take me any place other than where I am. I make myself comfortable on my bed with as many pillows and wedges as it requires to be comfy, a drink and snack nearby (using a thermos flask or keep hot cup is a good idea) and then dive into another world. I pay for Kindle Unlimited monthly so that I always have access to books to read at no extra expense plus holding a physical book with my sore hands doesn’t work but I have a mini beanbag that I can prop my Kindle ( or iPad) on to make it a painless experience. Over time you will find what works for you😀 I used to do a lot more art/craft projects but these days the damage in my hands is too great to permit that during a flare.
You will find your own personal ways of coping - using Mindfulness and Meditation can be a valuable practice to adopt. And always have something to look forward to - build them into your schedule whether it’s a chat with a friend or catching up with a family member you haven’t seen for a while, any interaction that sparks joy😀 You’ve got this 💕