Socialising and Arthritis
Keeping in touch with friends and family by socialising is good for our overall wellbeing. However, there might be times when the pain and other symptoms of arthritis can make us feel tired and isolated. Here are some tips to help you manage your social life.
Enjoy yourself
Surround yourself with people who make you feel good. The people close to you should understand that you can live a full and active life with arthritis, alongside respecting when you might need to have a rest or take a break.
Know your limits
Be careful to not overdo it. We all need to rest at some point. Use a diary to help you manage how many commitments you can take on during the week. If you find you are busy every day, schedule in some time for you to have a break.
Flare up planning
If you have made a prior arrangement with a friend or a relative but on the day realise that you are experiencing a flare up, that’s ok. Don’t feel as if you have to force yourself to go. Explain that you need to rest and would like to meet up at another time when you’re feeling better.
Communication
Our friends and family want to support and help us. If you tell them how your arthritis impacts you, it can make planning your social life a little more stress free. For example, if you have planned to meet a friend for a walk and find out they have organised a day long hike, this might feel daunting. However, if you explain beforehand you would like to go for a walk but would prefer to go a shorter distance with rest breaks planned, it means you can still enjoy yourself without worrying you are doing too much.
Tackling loneliness
There might be some days where you do not feel like seeing anyone or going out. This is fine, but it is important to make sure you do not fall into a cycle of isolation and loneliness. Talking with others can make us feel good, such as messaging or calling a friend once a week, or arranging a monthly video call with family. There are so many great platforms to help us keep in touch with others.
Alcohol
Sometimes, socialising with friends might mean drinking alcohol. Please contact your GP if you are taking medication that might be adversely affected by drinking alcohol. Whilst drinking alcohol can feel good in the short term, if you feel you are using alcohol as a coping mechanism then please do get in touch with your GP.