Arthritis may hold you back or slow you down with all the pain and discomfort that it brings. But this should not mean the end of the line for you. Wallowing in self-pity and despair will do no one any good. It will not make the pain disappear either.

So start living your life the way you used to. You can live gracefully even with your arthritis. Here are some everyday tips that can help you live a more normal life:

Make a plan. Make it a daily ritual to spend some time to draft a realistic plan of what you want and need to accomplish for the day. This will enable you to prioritize your tasks and allow you to do the more demanding ones at a time when your energy and enthusiasm are at their highest.

Fight the urge to overdo tasks. It is in your best interest that you do not overdo the housework. As much as possible, do not try to accomplish more than one major cleaning chore for a day.

Stretch and relax. Holding one position for a long time tends to "lock" the joints and may add to the pain and stiffness you might already be enduring.

Keep your stuff within reach. Here are some suggestions to make sure you don't exert extra effort to get things done.

. To avoid undue strain, have the shelves and racks in the storage area adjusted within your reach.

. Always wear clothes with pockets. This will help you keep the things you constantly need within reach.

. When doing household chores such as cleaning, wear an apron with pockets to hold lightweight cleaning materials.

Go easy on your hands. As much as possible, avoid putting too much pressure on your fingers and avoid doing tasks that require a tight grip. If this is not possible, why not try to do things a little differently? Try the following:

. Use the palm of both hands to hold plates, cups, pots and pans instead of gripping them with your hands. This will help ease things up a little.

. Carry packages in the crook of your hands rather than clasping them with your fingers.

. Open a door by pushing it with the side your arm.

. When reading, lay down the newspaper on the table or buy a book stand to give your hands a break.

. Consider using lightweight eating and cooking utensils.

. Create a more comfortable grip by taping a layer or two of thin foam rubber around the handles of brooms and mops.

Take care of your knees and back. The knees are also a target of arthritic pains, so it would be wise to take special care of them. Consider these suggestions:

. Accomplishing a task while sitting down will make your energy last longer than if you would do it while standing.

. If showering or taking a bath also poses some problems for you, have a specially made stool to make showering and easing on and off the tub a breeze.

. Bend your knees when you are reaching for or trying to lift something low or on the ground. Remember to keep your back straight as you lift.

. Avoid stooping ever so often since these put undue strain on your back and legs. For example, if tending your garden necessitates you to stoop often, consider taking a stool with you so that you can do your chores sitting down.

Don't hesitate in asking for help. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness so don't try to do things all by your self. Ask family members and friends for assistance when you need it.