What comforts you the most during a flare?
Recently due to the heat, I've been having flare days more than usual and have really started to realize the importance of being as comfortable as possible. lately, the thing that comforts me the most is reading through a good book when the house is quiet, and if my brain isn't functioning enough to read (or if the house is too loud!) the second-best comforting thing for me is just binge watching my favorite show!
I'd love to know what comforts you the most during a flare!!
Abigail, I can relate to the heat and flare thing. I might start wishing for snow rather than heat and high humidity! Its been a rough month.
Ditto - a good book, some TV watching and OK I will admit that I like to color. You know the books made for adults with uplifting thoughts. Coloring is both distracting and relaxing for me.
I love to color, too,
! I miss my kids were young enough to sit and color with me, but adult coloring books are such a great alternative. They definitely promote a sense of calm for me, almost like meditation. I hope the summer is kinder to you than it has been to most of the U.S. right now. Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member) Thank you for sharing,
! I really need to pick up some adult coloring books, I adored those when I was younger and coloring can be so peaceful <3 While it can be a bit much for my hands, I also really enjoy journaling during a flare. It helps me get all my negative flare thoughts out and I really enjoy decorating the page with cute stickers and doodles!! I hope you'll be able to cool down soon and I'll be keeping you in my thoughts! - Abigail, Team Member
Rest and no stress. No thinking, which causes stress, so books and binge TV (of the entirely brain dead variety) work best for me.
@I feel stress plays a big part in this It sure does,
. Stress can cause chemical reactions in your body that can make any autoimmune disease worse. Do you do anything to keep your stress levels low when you begin having a flare? Best wishes. - Lori (Team Member)
As long as I have AC I’m fine, the heat outside makes it flare up and itch. I just diagnosed with this late last year, so I’m still trying to figure out how to handle the stress from it.
ugh, same here!! lately, I've been struggling with going over to people's homes and apartments where they either have no AC at all or just barely use it. I'm sorry to hear that the heat is also such a struggle for you as well and that you've been having a hard time with stress. I'm linking a few articles that you may want to check out for your stress, I hope this helps just a little bit <3 -Abigail, Team Member
https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/video/guided-meditation
https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/physical-stress-triggers-flares, it's a vicious circle- it causes stress and stress makes it worse! The secret is to do something you enjoy. Something that takes your mind off things.
I like to sew dolls. That helps so much! I wish you the best.
Our public library offers online audio books. When I rest, I listen to a selection I have downloaded. I also have a free online Bible and will set the timer to run for about an hour. These two methods allow me to close my eyes and rest, and many times I fall asleep.
Hi @Jocie New Mexico, that is a great suggestion, thanks for joining the conversation. I am so glad this helps you. Jill, team member
That's wonderful
!!! Audio books are such a good way to relax while flaring! Especially if reading is too much for your eyes. Sometimes I love to just put on an easy show or podcast while laying in bed, like you said it allows me to rest my eyes and sometimes fall asleep!! In all honesty, sometimes I need to listen to something to help me fall asleep, or else I'll be up all night. I'm glad your library offers online audiobooks and I'm so glad that they've helped you so much! I hope those audiobooks continue to bring you joy and comfort! Wishing you the best - Abigail, Team Member
