It's that time of year... family, food, fun, and stress!!!

Feeling like you have too much to do? Having an increase in your pain? Trying flare-up management but still not doing as well as you would like? There are many types of stress, but the body responds in the same way each time. The body's fight or flight response is its' protection against danger. The body, however, doesn't recognize if it is an actual physical danger or stress. Stress and danger produce the same response in the body- adrenaline production to fight or flee. Here are a few tips to help manage the holiday stress:

 

 

A minimum of 5 days a week strive for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise. This helps to decrease the amount of adrenaline in your system.

 

Good pacing can help to avoid the production of adrenaline in the first place.

 

When standing in those long lines, use your diaphragmatic breathing. No one will suspect you are "relaxing" until you make the cashier's day!

 

In the winter months in Michigan it is important to get vitamin D through diet since we don't get it from the sun. Vitamin D can minimize pain flare-ups. Good sleep also helps to regulate the body and keep you healthy all year round.