Psoriatic Arthritis, Affection and Physical Touch

Every single person reading this has been affected by the current global pandemic, even if you personally have not been diagnosed with the virus. Whether you’re suffering from job loss, economic concerns, heightened anxiety, nightmares, and/or a psoriatic arthritis flare, I know you’ve been facing some unanticipated stress.

The importance of physical touch

One thing that all of us need is physical touch. From the nurturing cuddles from the grown-ups who took care of us as infants to slumber party back scratches to snuggling with a partner while watching a movie. It's safe to say that simply hugging people we love improves our mental and physical health.

Physical touch (romantic or platonic) increases levels of dopamine and serotonin. These types of neurotransmitters are linked to decreases in anxiety. And all of us here in the psoriatic community know that managing anxiety and stress is key. If we can keep these feelings under control, our physical symptoms are less severe.

Finding myself alone

Three years ago, my partner and I split up. This means that, since 2017, I’ve had a house to myself. I started dating again, off and on, and I have loved forging new friendships and strengthening existing ones.

I am a big cuddler, arm tickler, and hair-player. Being able to snuggle while watching movies with dates or ask friends for back rubs helped me stay physically connected. That is, until the pandemic hit.

Finding ways to feel nutured

Because humans in general and I, in particular, crave affection. I have had to come up with creative ways to make sure I am getting physical touch despite not having a dating friend and not being able to see any of my friends closer than 6 feet away.

To top things off, my monthly massages (a significant tool in my psoriatic arthritis and migraine disease care regimen) have been cut off totally. Here are five actions I take to nurture my body and get as many of those feel-good hormones flowing as possible.

1. Snuggles with my two cats. If you have a pet, you likely know firsthand that their importance in your life has increased since spring 2020 commenced!
2. Bath Time! Add some Epsom salts and essential oils for relaxation.
3. Dry brushing. I use brushes from a local spa to on my limbs, back, booty, and tummy. When I’m done, it feels like someone just scratched my back.
4. Hugging myself. I put my arms around my body, tuck my head to the side as if I’m putting it over a loved one’s shoulder, and squeeze. It’s not as cozy as a hug shared with someone else, but it still makes me smile and feel loved.
5. Not rushing myself. Taking my time during or after bathing allows me to enjoy the fact that I am able to take care of my health, mind, and body through hygiene that helps me in many ways, including my psoriatic arthritis.

All in all, find ways to show yourself that your health is a priority. Plus it feels deliciously indulgent to give my physical body the thanks it deserves for showing up for me the best way it could on that day, whether or not I’m having a flare-up.

Have any of you come up with ways to comfort yourselves during a time when physical closeness with another might not be possible? Share your great ideas in the comments below!