Managing Seasonal Stress with Arthritis: Prioritising Self-care During the Festive Season
October 2024
This time of year often comes with busy social schedules and physical tasks like cooking, shopping, decorating, and travelling, which can
sometimes feel overwhelming. That's why it is essential to prioritise self-care, manage stress effectively, and find a balance between
holiday festivities and your wellbeing.
The Importance of Self-Care During the Festive Season
When managing arthritis, self-care becomes even more critical during busy times like Christmas and New Year. With heightened expectations
and plenty of social activities, people may feel pressured to "keep up" with others.
However prioritising your health is not only important for managing your arthritis, it also allows you to make sure you can enjoy this busy
time to its fullest. Taking care of your body, mind and emotions will help you stay on track with your health goals and prevent flare-ups
from stress or overexertion.
Here are some key reasons why self-care matters during this busy period:
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Physical Wellbeing: Keeping up with arthritis-friendly routines like joint protection, exercise, and rest can minimise pain
and prevent further damage. For more information, read our article on Exercising
with Arthritis.
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Mental health: Managing stress is essential, as stress can contribute to inflammation and fatigue, common issues for people
with arthritis.
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Emotional Resilience: Taking time for yourself allows you to manage your emotions, recharge and handle holiday pressures
more effectively.
Tips for Managing Seasonal Stress with Arthritis
The added stress of the festive season can take a toll on your body and mind. Finding ways to manage stress is essential for staying
pain-free and enjoying this time of the year. Here are a few strategies that may help:
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Set Boundaries: It's okay to say "no" to social gatherings or events if they become too overwhelming. You can be
selective about what you want to do and what you can handle. Don't feel guilty for saying no and putting your health first.
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Practice Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle yoga can help calm your mind and relax your
body. Even just 10-15 minutes of relaxation can reduce stress hormones and lower inflammation. Learn more about our new Relax
& Restore for Arthritis program here.
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Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Instead of doing everything at once, break tasks into manageable steps. For example, wrap
presents one day, decorate the next, and take time in between to rest. Spacing out activities helps you avoid overexerting
yourself. For more information, read our article on The
Power of Pacing for Better Arthritis Management.
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Ask for Help: Don't hesitate to ask family or friends for help with physically demanding tasks, like lifting heavy boxes,
or preparing large meals. Delegating tasks lightens your load and gives others a chance to support and help you.
Pacing Your Activities: Balance is Key
One of the most important principles for managing arthritis during the holiday season is pacing your activities, Overcommitting
yourself or doing too much in one day can lead to fatigue, pain, and stiffness. It's essential to balance activity with rest,
especially during busy times.
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Proritise What Matters Most: Focus on activities that bring you joy or are truly important to you. You don't have to
attend every holiday party or prepare an elaborate meal. If you love baking or hosting, focus on that and ask for help with other tasks.
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Schedule Rest Breaks: Throughout the day, schedule regular breaks to sit, relax, or even take a short nap if needed.
Resting between tasks allows your body to recover and prevents joint strain.
Prioritising Your Wellbeing While Celebrating
Celebrating this time of the year with arthritis means finding a way to balance fun and self-care. It’s important to enjoy the holiday
spirit without putting your health at risk. Here’s how to maintain your wellbeing while embracing the Christmas and New Years:
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Stay Active, But Be Gentle: Physical activity is essential for managing arthritis, but during the holiday season, opt for
low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or stretching. Staying active can improve circulation, keep your joints mobile, and reduce
stress. Remember to stay hydrated while exercising in the summer months. For more information, read our article on Staying
Active and Exercise with Arthritis.
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Eat Mindfully: Holiday treats are abundant, but it’s important to maintain a balanced, nutritious diet that supports your
arthritis management. Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains, and limit processed and
sugary treats. For more information, read our article on Is
There An Ultimate Diet for Arthritis.
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Stay Cool: Summer's hot and humid weather may worsen arthritis symptoms for some people. To manage this, dress in
light, breathable clothing when outdoors, and consider using cooling pads to soothe inflamed joints. Taking a dip in a pool or the ocean
can also help cool down your body and provide some relief to aching joints. Staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged heat exposure can
further support joint comfort during the summer months. For more information, read our article on Hydration
Tips to Live Well with Arthritis.
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Focus on Enjoyment, Not Perfection: This time of the year is about spending time with loved ones and creating memories.
Don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself to make everything perfect. Focus on enjoying the moments rather than stressing about every
little detail. For more information, read our article on Joint
Friendly Tips for Christmas Decorating.
The time around Christmas and New Years can be a wonderful time of year, but it’s important to keep your arthritis management in mind.
By practicing self-care, pacing your activities, and managing stress effectively, you can celebrate in a way that protects your joints and
wellbeing.
This holiday season, remember that your health comes first. By finding balance, you’ll be able to enjoy the celebrations without
compromising your comfort or happiness.
How Arthritis Queensland can help
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