The aches and pains caused by living with arthritis can dampen your mood. Pain can make you stop doing a lot of things you love to do – exercise, hobbies, and even spending time with friends and family. Simple, everyday tasks suddenly become a daunting task because of the joint that gives you trouble. It’s no wonder why so many people who live with arthritis also suffer from anxiety and depression.
It’s a vicious cycle though. Depression has been proven to worsen chronic pain, and being in pain can lead to depression. Working on your mood and having a positive attitude on a daily basis can help improve depression and in turn reduce the symptoms of chronic pain caused by arthritis.
How to Improve Your Mood at Home
To give your mental and emotional health a boost, try some of these stress-reducing and relaxing techniques that you can do at home.
Talk to a Friend
When you are feeling down and in pain, reach out to friends who don’t ignore your pain. By talking to someone who understands that you are in pain, but does not linger on your symptoms or condition can help your mood. Talking to people who bring joy to your life and are hopeful and make you laugh can often easily boost your mood.
Exercise
Exercise releases endorphins which are your body’s natural mood boosters – almost like a natural high. Even limited movements can help your mind and body feel better. Being active helps reduce pain and depression. Before starting an exercise routine, always consult with your doctor to ensure you won’t be hurting your joints. Low impact cardio and stretching are great ways to reduce pain and reduce depression.
Practice Gratitude
Despite your chronic pain, you most likely have a lot to be grateful for. Perhaps it’s a spouse or partner, a special talent or skill that you have, or just the little things in life that you sometimes take for granted. Focusing on the good in your life can distract you from the pain. Writing daily gratitudes in a journal or notebook helps to ease depression, lower stress, and decrease inflammation that causes arthritis pain.
Do Something
Do anything, really. Being active and doing something is better than sitting around and hurting. Going for a walk, out to get coffee, or just to the mailbox can lift your spirits. Doing something you enjoy doing, just because you like it acts and is a great antidepressant.
Laughter
Find a way to make you laugh. Watch comedy shows or movies. Meet friends that love to laugh. Tell jokes. Even fake laughs for 10 minutes a day. A study showed that fake laughing for 10 minutes a day for a month was as effective as taking anti-depressant. No side effect and it is free.
Soak in a Hot Bath
Baths are great for reducing arthritis pain, but they can also lift your spirits. A nice, quiet soak in a bubble bath or using aromatherapy bath salts is a great way to relieve stress, help you relax, and clear your mind. Really boost your mood with soothing or meditative music and candles. You’ll leave the bathtub feeling rejuvenated and calm.
Managing mental and emotional health is a critical part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
