Self Put a spring in your step Try our tips to keep on top of your arthritis and boost your emotional wellbeing WORDS: LOUISE PARFITT Mindfulness And stretch! Try to do some physical activity every day, be it a short walk, gentle exercises, seated movements or a class. If you do a class, let the teacher or instructor know about your arthritis so they can suggest suitable changes if theyre needed. You may find that shorter bouts of exercise such as 10-minute bursts three or four times a day suit you better than one long session. Mindfulness Go outside Mindfulness has grown in popularity over the past few years. It can reduce stress and promotes calmness, which can help you manage your pain. Some people find it useful to meditate and repeat a positive mantra every day. Make sure to keep up your interests and hobbies if you can, especially if they involve meeting other people. Theres nothing like company and laughter for boosting your wellbeing! Make the most of the longer days and warmer weather by getting outside and enjoying the fresh air. You could join the National Trust and combine a walk with a visit to a historic site, or have a wander round your local park, enjoying the sunshine and spring blooms. Speak up One of the hardest things can be asking for help, especially when it comes to doing something you used to be able to do. But unless you speak up and ask, people wont know you need support. Most will want to help you, whether thats assisting you to put on a coat, offering a lift to the shops, or listening to your problems. Time team Natures bounty Embracing healthy eating is a great way to keep yourself feeling good and in tip-top shape. Check out some of our springtime recipes, and take a look at our feature on healthy cooking at home. iSTOCK.COM / FATCAMERA If life seems overwhelming, try making a list of what you need to do the next day. Then break it into times for activity and times for rest, so you have space to recuperate. If you can, plan social activities and chores at times when you feel at your best. For example, if your symptoms and pain get worse later in the day, do your shopping or meet friends in the morning. If you have a job, speak to your employer about flexible working. Working like this means you can change your hours to times when you are feeling your best and youll be more productive, too.