About This Column
Here you'll find advice on how to take a more comprehensive approach toward managing your rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Keep in mind, this column is intended to advise you on how to complement your treatment, not replace it. Please consult your doctor to determine what advice may be right for you.
Featured Article
Stop and Smell the Roses—Literally
Sep 23, 2009
I'm sure you've heard that old saying about enjoying life's little pleasures. Well, one of my favorite little pleasures happens to be smelling flowers. It always seems to lift my mood. And as someone who's personally dealt with chronic pain, I know how staying positive can be an important part of living with a disease like RA. Is it going to relieve your symptoms? No. But it sure can help you manage them. So, as silly as it might seem, today I want to talk about how flowers can actually help improve your life with RA.
Remembering the good ole days I'm not usually one to dwell on the past, but flowers always seem to bring back fond memories for me. No matter what the situation or how I'm feeling, I can always gaze at my garden and remember the good ole days.... But enough about me. The point I'm trying to make is that flowers can help you cope with the bad days. Just find some flowers that are tied to a memory and start reflecting.
Brightening up your home or office Past or present, flowers also have a way of brightening up a room (and your mood). Many of us unfortunately work in sterile or dreary environments that could desperately use a pop of color. And flowers can be an easy fix. I've even found that flowers can be a means of inspiration. When I sit down to write these articles, there's almost always a colorful arrangement at my desk.
Flowers are a mainstay in my home as well. But that's where they're more than just decoration—they're a hobby too. Even if you don't have a garden or some other outdoor space, keeping flowering plants in the home can be a rewarding activity. Not only is it an excuse to be active, but the results can give you a great deal of satisfaction.
There's another old saying that I think is appropriate here: sometimes it's the little things that make a big difference. For as little as a few dollars, you could lift your mood in a big way. Just stop by your local florist and smell the roses.
Managing Pain and Stress
