Hello to our lovely Health Unlocked Community!
We’re excited to share some helpful tips on self-managing arthritis to empower you in making informed decisions about your health and wellbeing. Self-management means taking control of your condition by using techniques that work best for you to manage your physical and mental symptoms. There are plenty of options to explore and tailor to your needs.
Staying Active
Exercise and movement are crucial for managing arthritis. They reduce pain and improve the overall function of your joints. If you’re not very active, start small- take the stairs more often or set simple daily goals. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity each day, like walking or gardening. Combine this with weekly strength training and flexibility exercises, such as yoga or Tai Chi.
Healthy Eating
Focus on a balanced diet rather than restrictive eating. Include more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and oily fish in your diet while cutting down on sugar. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on your joints and improve symptoms. Planning healthy meals can be tough, but our website features a variety of arthritis-friendly recipes created by our cookery consultant, who also has arthritis.
Sleep and Mental Health
Good sleep hygiene is important. Try to avoid alcohol, reduce caffeine intake, and keep your bedroom free from electronic distractions. Manage stress and low mood through outdoor exercise, meditation, or engaging hobbies.
Support from Us
We’re here to support you in managing your arthritis and living a healthier, more active life. Visit our website: arthritisaction.org.uk to explore our resources.
All the best,
The Arthritis Action Team