Tip #3 - Move/Exercise
The last thing you may feel like doing is moving, when even talking hurts. The adage “move it or lose it” applies, especially when you have RA. If you're concerned that you are doing more damage, consult a physiotherapist for appropriate exercises for RA.
In addition to keeping you mobile, strong and flexible, the right amount of exercise can help kick inflammation to the curb. I always notice a huge improvement in mobility, particularly after my swim.
UC San Diego Health has this to say about exercise as an anti-inflammatory:
"The brain and sympathetic nervous system - a pathway that serves to accelerate heart rate and raise blood pressure, among other things - are activated during exercise to enable the body to carry out work. Hormones, such as epinephrine and norepinephrine, are released into the blood stream and trigger adrenergic receptors, which immune cells possess.
This activation process during exercise produces immunological responses, which include the production of many cytokines, or proteins, one of which is TNF - a key regulator of local and systemic inflammation that also helps boost immune responses."
Speaking of moving and exercising, I'd like to share what Rick, my online acquaintance, has accomplished. His go-to exercise is cycling which, combined with healthy eating (see Tip #2), has allowed him to become, in his own words "a big loser." Way to go, Rick!
A big round of applause to all of us who are losers and to some of us who have been on the weight-loss/weight-gain teeter-totter and have finally settled into a good place and weight.
In case you are in the midst of a major flare, I'm swimming two extra lengths just for you! It's my new thing. Consider it an energetic gift for someone who is unable to move or exercise 🙂 Whether I'm stretching, lifting weights, swimming or dog-walking, I'm finishing my "usual" routine by doing two more - be it lengths, blocks, lifts, reps, minutes or holds.
The 10 Tips:
- Tip #10 - Live Your Life
- Tip #9 - Learn to Listen to Your Body
- Tip #8 - Use Tools and Gadgets
- Tip #7 - Build Your Team
- Tip #6 - Accentuate the Positive
- Tip #5 - Laugh and/or Smile
- Tip #4 - Improve Your Sleep Hygiene
- Tip #3 - Move/Exercise
- Tip #2 - Choose to Eat Well
- Tip #1 - Transform Stress
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thank you I needed that a lot today. Swimming laps for me today is the best thing anyone has done for all day !!
I’m glad that I could help, Rick, on a day that it counts.