25 Summer Activities for Bad Pain Days

With summer just around the corner, many of us are ready to enjoy more activity, BBQs, and days in the sun. It’s been a long, cold winter and you’re excited to see more of the people you love, but what happens when pain rears its ugly head and you're left feeling like you have to miss out on all the summertime fun?

Summer-friendly activities for painful RA days

It’s a terrible feeling, but with a little creativity and adaptation (and maybe an extra dose of Tylenol) you can find ways to enjoy summer with activities that are low energy and more stationary. It’s more about the company you are around, getting outside, and enjoying the refreshing vibe of summer than what you do. In the end, it's all about listening to your body. There are brighter days ahead!

Enjoy the nature around you

• Head to your local beach or lake with a foldable chair and take in the beauty.
• Rent a native bird watching book from the local library and see if you can identify any species.
• Grab a blanket, water bottle, and book and go take a rest at your local park.
• Head to your local garden center and casually stroll around to see all the pretty flowers.
• Plan a river floating day with rafts, friends, music, snacks and lots of drinks.

Enjoy the company around you

• Meet friends at your local ice cream shop, sit outside, and play cards while you enjoy your cones.
• Have a summertime movie night where everyone dresses as a stereotypical “tourist”. Think Hawaiian shirt.
• Host an in-person or virtual book club once a month with a summer themed book.
• Get together for a relaxing early morning walk. Don’t forget to have someone grab the coffee!
• Head to your favorite restaurant and everyone orders their favorite dish to share. Spice it up and have everyone order something that starts with the letter of their first name.

Enjoy the hobbies you love

• Plant an easy-to-manage succulent garden or herbs in a pot. Watch your plant friends grow!
• Sit outside with a cup of coffee or tea and work on your favorite handcraft. You can learn to knit, create diamond art, or make jewelry.
• If you can’t work on your favorite hobby due to pain, consider learning more by reading a book or watching Youtube videos to expand your knowledge.
• Try a new recipe that requires a lot of waiting– think marvelous marinades or slow cooked meat. Enjoy with family and friends!
• Dive into your family's genealogy! There’s various online sites that can help you research your family tree and origins.

Enjoy self-care time

• Commit to a daily yoga practice designed to help with pain relief and flexibility. Videos can be found on Youtube.
• Make a summer journal. Write down your thoughts, feelings, fun memories, etc. in a journal to review at the end of summer.
• Practice meditation to reduce stress and anxiety. Try meditation early in the morning, outside, or before bed. Check in with yourself to see how it feels.
• Invite a friend over for coffee or tea and just chat. Enjoy the freedom you have to share with them. Set a date for your next hang out!
• Declutter small spaces over time. Don’t bite off more than you can chew but tackle cluttered spaces one drawer or one closet at a time.

Enjoy your pets

• Drive through your local Starbucks and ask for a pup-chinno. You won’t regret it!
• Take a scenic drive with your best furry friend and watch the pure enjoyment on their faces.
• Channel your inner cat and snuggle up with your kitty in a sunny spot. Take a nap and enjoy the radiating heat on your body.
• Buy your pet a new toy and simply hang out and watch them enjoy it.
• Teach your dog a new trick! Both you and your dog will enjoy quality time together.

What summer activities do you have in mind for bad pain days? Share your favorites below!