“Listening to music, watching a movie or engaging in some activity which allows you to stop focusing on your worries are some of the ways of managing arthritis,” says Debra Rose Wilson -an online doctor with healthline.com.
Debra warns that stress accelerates arthritis. The health consultant further explains that the connections between stress and inflammation are clear. “Stress releases chemicals that affect the immune system and thus causes inflammation,” she states.
“When you’re stressed — emotionally or psychologically — your body goes into what’s colloquially called the “fight-or-flight response,” as it readies for, well, fighting or fleeing. One effect is the release of the stress hormone cortisol,” says Dr. Gupta.
Cortisol works to suppress nonessential-in-an-emergency functions, like your immune response and digestion. The hormone also fuels the production of glucose, or blood sugar, boosting energy to the large muscles, while inhibiting insulin production and narrowing arteries, which forces the blood to pump harder to aid our stressor response.
“Another hormone, adrenaline, is also released, which tells the body to increase heart and respiratory rate, and to expand airways to push more oxygen into muscles. Your body also makes glycogen, or stored glucose (sugar), available to power muscles.
“In addition, stress decreases lymphocytes, white blood cells that are part of the immune system, putting you at risk of viruses like the common cold,” tops up Dr. Gupta, Dr. Debra’s counterpart working with an online health platform called Everyday Health.
“As a result, arthritis flares up again,” Dr. Debra supports. She further reminds that it’s important to recognize when you are feeling stressed and worrying. “Being self-aware of your body’s reaction will remind you to relax.”
Dr. Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, shares her finer details on stress management techniques. She admits that a well managed stress keeps your arthritis low and calm. The health expert recommends breathing slowly for two minutes as one of the remedies. “Focus on a long exhale and then allow the inhalation to enter your lungs gently.”
“Be creative; paint, doodle, write or cook…. Get out in nature and feel the sun on your face,” She furthers her recommendation.
“Spend time with someone who will make you laugh…. Laughing helps you get rid the body of stress and increase your love for life.”
Wekesa Barasa.