As we've noted on other pages, reducing stress and eating healthy are two keys to living with a chronic illness. Changing eating habits and having some exercise routine will assist you with managing your RA.

Counseling & Support: A few other components of healthy living include managing your emotional health. Chronic illness, especially one with chronic pain, can lead to depression. Seeking professional help (psychotherapy and/or medication) or support from family and friends can be useful tools in maintaining your emotional health.

According to the Arthritis Foundation: "Studies show that as many as 80% of people with arthritis have difficulty sleeping." Additionally, "sleep deprivation can make pain worse and have a negative impact on your overall health". It's important to let you doctor know if you have sleep issues. Other tips include:

• keep a regular schedule - keep a journal for a couple weeks to determine your sleep schedule. Try to stick to a bedtime/wake time

• get moving - research demonstrates that active people sleep better

• digital detox - get off the devices a couple hours before bedtime. "Digital devices make it harder for us to wind down. Research shows that the artificial light from computers can interfere with sleep hormones in the brain" (Arthritis Foundation).

Work: If you are in an office setting, or working from home, you will want to make sure you have ergonomically correct office furniture and computer set ups (keyboard/mouse). This will help you alleviate discomfort in your back, arms, knees, etc.

Alternative medicine can include acupuncture, massage, supplements, traditional Chinese medicine, Tai Chi, yoga, physical therapy, topical gels, TENS units, far infrared saunas, and more.