Things You Can Do to Make Arthritis Recovery Easier

If you ask hundreds of arthritis sufferers, almost all of them had a favorite hobby that cheered them. They painted with watercolors, played a musical instrument, sewed quilts or clothes, built model ships, trains, and planes, took pictures, made pottery, knitted, crocheted, and collected everything from stamps and baseball cards to china and doll-house furniture. Staying busy, most of them agreed, is therapeutic. And many of them were still busy with their careers, too, getting a great lift from doing their work well.

They loved to get out and go fishing, boating, camping, horseback riding, sunbathing, or bird-watching. Some travelled far, but many settled happily for a walk or a car ride just to enjoy the change of scenery.

The physical exertion of exercise did the most good for some sufferers, who beat out the blues by bicycle riding, for example, or walking, swimming, or practicing judo, karate, or Tai Chi. A few chose sports such as golf or volleyball.

Getting things done around the house was soothing for those who liked to make home improvements, fix cars, get absorbed in gardening, clean, cook, or bake.

Some sufferers found their greatest enjoyment in helping others, by volunteering their free time to church activities, community groups, political causes, mental institutions, hospices, hospitals, and senior centers. Others were buoyed up by looking after their children, grandchildren, or pets.

Many sufferers will choose to pamper their bodies with a bath, a massage, or a nap. They might treat themselves to a favorite food or drink, too, and perhaps go shopping just to buy something frivolous but affordable.

There were great rewards for many in the social support of their families and friends, clubs, community activities, and self-help group meetings held by their local chapter of the Arthritis Foundation or Alcoholics Anonymous. Some get-togethers were game times, for playing bridge, backgammon, bingo, chess, or horseshoes.

Entertainments needn't be lavish to be cheering. Many suffers are happiest when reading a book, they said, listening to the radio, or watching television. Some went to museums, some went back to school, or took correspondence courses. They lost themselves in murder mysteries, Westerns, romances, and fantasies, but they also liked to read newspapers, magazines, and the Bible. They might meditate to improve their outlook, or daydream, or pray, or bend their minds to some conundrum to keep themselves preoccupied.

Summary of How and Why to Build a Positive Mental Outlook

Though not caused by emotional factors, arthritis can generate anger, denial, anxiety, depression, and feelings of helplessness.

Addressing the emotional problems associated with arthritis is important because:

• Denial can make you ignore proper precautions.

• Depression may keep you from following your treatment plan.

• Anxiety and depression tend to lower your pain threshold.

• Helplessness may lead to depression, and aggravate your pain and disability.

Treatments for relieving or avoiding emotional problems include:

• Psychotherapy (one on one, or in a group)

• Medications, such as antidepressants

• Programs to teach relaxation techniques, 'coping statements,' family dynamics, communication skills, and the like stress frequently exacerbate arthritis pain.

Stress-management techniques that may relieve pain include:

• Deep breathing

• Avoiding stressful situations

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• Attention-diverting activities, including hobbies and reading

• Exercise or other physical activity

• Relaxation techniques, including self-hypnosis

• Reducing anxiety through self-control and self-affirmation

• Rest

• Imagery or visualization

• Meditation or prayer

• Resolving the problems that are causing stress