Although arthritis is a joint problem it can cause depression, anger and a sense of loss and low self-esteem in patients. The disease itself is not caused by emotional feelings; but the pain we feel can be triggered by feelings of stress and cause symptoms of the disease to flare.

We are going to discuss some ways you can use relaxation techniques to reduce stress and therby reduce pain. In spite of your limitations it is imperative to have a positive attitude. Try not to complain to others. Find something to do that you really enjoy, and are capable of doing, and this will give you a sense of accomplishment, and therefore will raise your self-esteem and make you happy. If you are happy, you will feel much less pain from arthritis.

A Positive Attitude

Having a good attitude towards your arthritis is important. People will appreciate and like you a lot more if your spirits are high. Rather than getting depressed about things you find difficult to do or can no longer do; concentrate on things that will lift your mood. Go out with friends, laugh, go shopping. These are all great for our emotional well-being.

Anxiety, denial, anger and depression are all normal reactions to the person living with arthritis. Some doctors believe that depression and anxiety can actually lower your tolerance for pain. Sometimes it is advisable to seek the advice of a psychologist if you are going through an emotional crisis related to your arthritis.

Depression, for example, is more likely than joint destruction to keep people from taking care of themselves.However, having the emotional attitude that you will cope, no matter what, is going to go a long way towards easing the pain of your arthritis.

Anxiety and depression can be treated whether it is by psychotherapy, with the help of support groups or by another means. Repeating positive coping strategies several times a day has shown to help people rid themselves of self-defeating beliefs. Also providing you with the stamina to take control of your situation by getting rid of any negative emotions.

Stress Management

One of the most important things we can do is to resolve the problems that are causing stress.

Deep Breathing - By taking slow deep breaths we can reduce a speeded-up heartbeat and loosen tensed up muscles. If you force yourself to breathe deeply and evenly it is going to have a relaxing effect on the rest of your body.

Do this by inhaling through your nose for a few seconds; hold the breath for a moment and then exhale slowly through your mouth. When you finish doing several of these deep breathing exercises your body is going to feel much more relaxed.

Avoid stressful Situations-Try to figure out what situations cause you the most stress and try your best to avoid them. It's not always easy to leave a stressful job overnight; but if you can find something to do in your leisure time to take your mind off the stress with hobbies that you enjoy, life will become more manageable.

A great way to reduce stress is to exercise. Depending on your interests exercise can include swimming, walking, bicycling or golf and many others. The important thing is to find something that you really enjoy to relieve the stress.

Remember that exercise not only relieves stress; but is good for your whole body.

For more information on arthritis please visit my website at:
http://www.removingjointpain.com