How to Reduce Holiday Arthritis Flares

Many people with inflammatory types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid and lupus, report that their illness flares during and after the holidays. That should be no surprise because holidays can be stressful - and physical and emotional stress can increase the risk of flares.

Pace Yourself - If you're hosting the family get-together or throwing a party for friends, pace yourself. Start planning weeks ahead. Write down your plans, and set priorities - dates when you will do specific shopping, times when you will do advance cooking. Then relax - and build rest-times into your schedule. If you pace yourself and have lists so you know what you need to do when, you will be better able to get through.

Get Help - Don't be a martyr. Delegate tasks and ask for help. Those who love you will welcome an opportunity to help you - and to be an important part of the event. If you do it all yourself, you may find resentment building up - which will ruin your enjoyment of the party.

Set Aside Time for Yourself - Block out some solitary periods on your winter social calendar. You need time to recharge your batteries. All those candles should not be for parties. Light some for yourself to give you a light in the darkness - a place on which to focus for relaxation, meditation, or prayer - all great ways to recharge your batteries. Or light a candle in the bathroom while you relax in a warm tub - also great for achy joints. And don't forget your regular exercise regimen - because exercise keeps you conditioned and can replace fatigue with energy.

Don't Overspend - Set a budget, and do your best to stick to it - whether it's for party planning or gift-giving. If you overspend, worry will be your secret companion - and stressor - for months to come.

Practice Positive Self-Talk - Try to avoid worrying thoughts, such as "There's too much to do, I'll never be ready." If you've done your planning and arranged for friends and family to help, you really are ready. Think steadying thoughts, such as "Calm down and check your list, take one step at a time, and I'll be fine."

Don't Miss Your Meds - With all the holiday excitement, it's easy to miss your meds - whether that means ordering them on time or taking them on time. Put prescription order dates on your calendar. And if you don't already have one of those little boxes that keeps your pills in order by day of the week, that's a gift to get for yourself right now. Then keep it next to your toothbrush so you'll never forget - morning and evening.

If despite following this advice you start feeling signs of a flare, pay attention. Don't try denial hoping it will get better on its own. The sooner a flare is treated, the sooner it is controlled. Call your doctor promptly.