What are some tips for keeping spirits high during the winter months?
In this article, RA Health Leader Leanne shares her tips to avoid the winter blues (https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/?p=42074).
What are some other tips you use to manage RA during the winter which can be difficult mentally and physically?
We have indoor and outdoor live music venues year-round so we spend our weekends enjoying music with friends.I enjoy reading a good book, do a variety of trivia and brain games, go for a walk, grow sprouts, let sunlight stream in through windows !
, this sounds lovely! It sounds like you have mastered keeping those winter blues at bay! Thank you for sharing and I would love to know if you ever see some especially talented musical groups.
Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.
I simply dread the cold months. I feel it deep in my joints. I pull out my tights and T-Shirts and I have a small heating pad at work for the achy areas. In the evening when I get home I have a full electric blanket, which I also add a few "pain patches" for help. I also eat lots of soups and chilli!!
Hi
. Sounds like you have some pretty good comfort items. I know my wife, Kelly Mack (a contributor here), loves here electric blanket; aka the heatalator, and uses it all year round. She wrote here about some of her other favorite little things to help feel better: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/these-are-a-few-of-my-favorite-things. Wishing you the best. Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team) 
You certainly are prepared for those cold days, but pain patches and comfort foods do help. And I'm a huge soup person too! What is your favorite soup to eat to help keep you warm? -Latoya (Team Member)
I have owned a Verilux Happy Light for years. When mine recently died (after 10 years), I replaced it with another. 1 hour in the morning helps immensely with my seasonal affective depressive disorder (SADD). I also add an adjunct anti-depressant from November to March.
I make lots of soup! Crockpot and Instant Pot varieties. My current favorite is Zuppa Toscana, and Potato Leek Soup.
Mary Sophia, moderat0r/contributor
I too like
own a Verilux Happy light. Have owned it for about 3 years now. I live in the Northeast and in the winter months, do not have a lot of sunshine. I use the light from November through April. It helps me tremendously.
I also enjoy trying new variety of teas and reading. Recently I have really gotten into word find puzzles.
Just Keep Swimming...Lynn Marie, "Rheumatoid Arthritis.net Team Member"
