How To help Your Body Cope with Lupus

Hi there, fellow lupus warriors! Living with lupus can be tough, but remember, you're not alone on this journey. Let's explore some activities that can help you navigate the challenges of coping with lupus, making each day a little brighter and more manageable.

Here are 10 Activities that can Help You Cope with Lupus:

1. Gentle Exercise: Engage in low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga. These activities can help you stay active and maintain muscle strength without putting too much strain on your body. Remember, it's not about pushing yourself to the limit, but rather finding movements that feel good for you.
2. Healthy Eating: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Eating well can help manage inflammation and provide your body with the nutrients it needs to stay strong. Don't forget to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
3. Stress Management: Explore relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness. Stress can exacerbate lupus symptoms, so finding ways to unwind and de-stress is crucial. Take time for yourself each day to relax and recharge.
4. Quality Sleep: Prioritize good sleep hygiene by establishing a bedtime routine and creating a comfortable sleep environment. Aim for seven to eight hours of quality sleep each night. Adequate rest can help reduce fatigue and improve overall well-being.
5. Pacing Yourself: Listen to your body and learn to pace yourself throughout the day. Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and don't hesitate to ask for help when needed. By conserving your energy and avoiding overexertion, you can better manage your symptoms.
6. Creative Outlets: Engage in creative activities that bring you joy, whether it's painting, writing, crafting, or playing music. Expressing yourself creatively can be therapeutic and serve as a positive distraction from the challenges of coping with lupus.
7. Support Groups: Connect with others who understand what you're going through by joining a lupus support group. Whether in person or online, sharing experiences and receiving encouragement from fellow warriors can provide valuable emotional support and camaraderie.
8. Educating Yourself: Take the time to learn about lupus and how it affects your body. Knowledge is power, and understanding your condition can empower you to make informed decisions about your health and treatment options. Don't hesitate to ask your healthcare provider any questions you may have.
9. Mind-Body Therapies: Explore complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage, or aromatherapy. These holistic approaches can help alleviate pain, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before trying any new therapies.
10. Celebrating Small Victories: Finally, celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Living with lupus requires resilience and strength, and every day that you navigate with courage and grace is a victory worth celebrating. Be proud of yourself and the progress you've made on your journey.

Remember, managing lupus is a marathon, not a sprint. By incorporating these activities into your daily routine and surrounding yourself with support, you can better cope with the challenges of living with lupus and lead a fulfilling life. Keep shining bright, lupus warriors!

10 Relaxing Activities That Help Me Cope With Lupus

These are things that make me happy!

Here are some of my favorite hobbies that make me happy (besides spending time with my lovely twin girls and my hubby, of cause).

1. Painting.

I've never taken any painting class.  I only learned from observations.  I love drawing and some day, I might take a real art class.

"Floating Market" I painted this picture with acrylic on my bathroom door.  Notice a door nob on your right?  We're debating whether to take the door with us when we move to a new place.

"My Thai Village Life"  This was my first painting on canvas I painted in 1996.

"Japanese Lilies"  I painted these lilies right of my back porch.  My husband planted them so I painted them for his birthday.  I think it was an oil painting. The painting might be tucking away somewhere.

2. Knitting (see my knitting gallery)

I taught myself to knit from a knitting kit I bought from a craft store.  I needed a break from my college work and I was looking for something relaxing.  I've always loved the way the knitted fabrics look.  I loved it even more after I found out that I could make so many different textures and designs.  I learned very quick and wasn't satisfy with the beginner level, so I bought a Vogue Knitting Magazine and started my first sweather from the Intermediate level.  So far, I've knitted too may sweather and bought too much yarn (but never enough).  Now many years later, I am having my own knitting website!


3. Reading.

Here are some of my favorite book I've read. 

 "Reading Lolita in Tehran" It's a non-fiction story of a professor who had to secretly meet with her favorite group of students to learn the literatures that were banned in Iran during the revolution.
Most of the books I read are from Oprah's book club.  I just love Oprah Winphrey.  She is my idol!  And I think she choose the right books to read too.

 "Daughter of Fortune"  I love this book!  I'll read it again.  It's about love and courage.  It's exciting and full of adventure.  I didn't want to put the book down.

 "A Find Balance" It you think your life is hard read this book.  You'll feel very fortunate!  I cried so many times.  It's a story of an uncle and nephew who struggled to make a decent living but had to face all these awful events.  The novel sets scene  in india during the revolution.  It will make your heart weep.

 "Life Of Pi"  This is not one of the book club book.  A friend of mine lent it to me.  It is a fun book to read.  It made me think the story was real after I read it.

 "House of Sand and Fog" I thought this book was good.  I saw the movie too.  This is another sad story.  I think most novels are sad.

 "A Map of the World"  I saw this on the movie too!  I like both the book and the movie.  It's about a school nurse in Raisin, Wisconsin who got accused of molasting a school boy.

"On Gold Mountain"  I picked this book up from a Smithsonial Musseum after finished touring an exhibition on this pioneer Chinese family who were one of the earliest immigrants that migrated to America to look for better future.  This was a success story and happy ending!

4. Photographing.

You can see some of my photos I took and made it to note cards (see sample above) for my neighbor hood fund raise Here.

5. Cooking.

I enjoy cooking as much as eating.  I love to experiment new recipes.  I also created a little section on Easy Food Recipes on this site.

6. Singing and listening to musics.

I like to sing Karaoke.  I like mostly country music but I also enjoy pop music as well.  I created a relaxing music video that I think it might help other people as well. (see video below)

7. Walking and Hiking.

My husband and I like to hike in a forrest or state park.  My problem is I can't hike very far due to my leg pain.  So, I would hike and rest then hike and rest again.  My right leg is worse than the left one because it is shorter due to the polio.  I was told that I had polio when I was two.  The doctor thought that I would die if my parent weren't take me to the hospital right away.  I wear lifted sneakers when I hike.  they help a lot.

8. Taking a nice warm bath.

This is a good way to relax.  Pour a lot of aromatic bubble bath and light up those candles!  I like to have a glass of wine with it even though my doctor says I shouldn't drink!

9. Meditation.
 Just close my eyes and listen to nothing will relax me a whole lot.  I know people who go to seminar class to do nothing but breath.  Sounds like a winner to me.

10. Creating Website and blog.

I love to write and tell story.  This helps me release some of my tension.  Everyday, I will check my knitting site and think about project I can knit and write about.

And there you have it.  Now you know what I spend my time doing when I don't look after my girls.

Read My Lupus Story

What is Lupus Disorder?

Visit Knitting Instructions Home Page