Waiting Out a Flare: 20 Ways to Occupy Your Time
Keeping active is always our goal, but now and then we get slammed with the kind of flare that demands rest. But pain-filled hours drag slowly…and what can you do when you’re couch-bound? Here are 20 pain-free activities that will cheer you up and help the time pass quickly…
When we’re in a flare it’s hard to remember ever feeling well, much less remember that this flare—like the others—will pass. Along with the pain comes the guilt and disappointment—and yes, sometimes the anger—of not being able to take care of your responsibilities. Time has a way of hanging, as heavy as wet velvet. If left to brood, depression is inevitable.
First of all, relax. There are many aspects of RA that we can control but waking up to a five-alarm flare is not one of them. Despite our best efforts, it will happen from time to time. Feeling guilty or angry will lead to further stress, which suppresses your immune system and tightens your muscles. More importantly, it doesn’t solve anything: you’ll still have the flare and possibly cause greater pain for yourself.
The Tao philosophy of illness is that you should move with the illness instead of against it. One of the best ways to move with the illness is to—temporarily—accommodate it. Instead of viewing the flare as the major obstacle that has ruined your day, tell yourself that you’re taking the day off. Indulge yourself. Spend quality time with your kids. Try—for a change—to think and focus on only one thing at a time. Most importantly, remember that a flare is not forever.
20 Ways to Amuse Yourself During a Flare
Making your own entertainment can be challenging when your functions and mobility are limited. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Read.
Read anything: books, magazines, newspapers; poetry, literature, the Bible, the National Enquirer, you name it. It doesn’t have to be highbrow reading as long as you enjoy it. A corollary to this would be:
2. Listen to an audio book.
There’s something soothing about audio books; it evokes childhood memories of when our mother read to us. Check out your library for their selection.
3. Take a long, hot bubble bath.
Soothing and indulgent. While you’re in there:
4. Make it a day of beauty.
Slather on a facemask. Deep-condition your hair. Add bath oils. And then, sit in your bubble bath for a good half-hour and allow everything to permeate.
5. Organize something…anything.
Clean out a drawer (ask someone to actually bring the drawer to you). Go through those piles of photos and organize them in a photo album. Accomplishing even small chores helps your self-esteem and fights depression.
6. Call someone.
Call someone you haven’t seen since high school. Call someone you see everyday. Staying and keeping in touch with people has a proven positive effect on health and prevents you from feeling isolated. If the person you want to speak to lives far away and you can’t afford the long-distance bills:
7. Send an audio-letter.
Dictate your letter into a tape recorder and send it when you’re feeling better.
8. Bond with the kids.
Play a board game, play dolls, read them a story. Kids—especially little ones—will appreciate the attention…you’ll appreciate the affection.
9. Bond with your partner.
As long as you’re couch-bound, scoot over and share the blanket. Extra affection can go a long way in making a partner feel like more than just a caregiver.
10. Learn something.
Ever wanted to learn French but you didn’t have time? Now’s your time! It doesn’t have to be as complex as a foreign language, but learning new things keeps us fresh and more adaptable to sudden changes (like unforeseen flares).
11. Read your journal.
If you keep a daily journal, read past entries. The good days will remind you of what you’ve accomplished and the bad days will remind you that this flare—like the others—will pass.
13. Surf the internet.
As long as you have a comfortable chair, the Web can help you feel as if you’re still in touch with the world. Keep a list of things that you’d like to look up and when a flare strikes, you’ll have plenty to keep you entertained.
# Shop in your bathrobe.
If there isn’t too much tread on your credit cards, pull out the catalogs and get your Christmas shopping over with…or buy something for yourself.
# Watch a video.
Or cable. Try to find a comedy…a good laugh truly does reduce stress and pain. Or, if you’re a woman, watch a chick flick, like Imitation of Life; if you’re a guy, watch one of your favorite grunt-action films.
# Look at maps…and daydream.
Dream up a fantasy vacation or plan an actual vacation…but try to make the fantasy as elaborate as possible.
# Pet your pet.
After you’ve bonded with your partner and the kids, remember Bowser, too. While there is no evidence that petting your furry one will improve your arthritis, there is clinical evidence that petting your pet can reduce your blood pressure and stress.
# Meditate.
You’ve been meaning to try it; now’s your chance. Meditation doesn’t have to be an elaborate set-up—all you need is a quiet place to yourself for as little time as five minutes. Clear your mind…you’ll be surprised at how calm you feel afterwards.
# Do a crossword.
Crosswords, Cryptograms, Crostics or any other word game is ideal for “flare days”. One lady I know saves up the Extra section from her newspapers just for that purpose.
# Sit outside…weather permitting.
Sometimes just getting out of the house can make you feel better. Fresh air and sunlight may not be physically healing, but it can definitely improve your outlook on things.
Tags: depression, keeping active, pain-free activities, stress
