This infographic caught my attention while I was waiting for my doctor. It seems like the first statement cancels out the second if I’m being cynical. They don’t know what causes the flare but stress does make it worse. How are they sure then? Ok, they say the stress response releases chemicals that add more inflammation in our joints. If we could just figure out how to get that stress to stay low then we’d be better. It’s a stressful challenge in itself. Lowering stress takes time, patience and can make us feel like we’re lacking in our abilities to do a good job at anything life hands us. However, this is one of those life skills that we need to be teaching and learning at a young age. It’s also a technique that requires routine maintenance and check-ins. Let’s get it on our calendars.
