The holidays are right around the corner, and for many, this time of year brings happiness and joy. The weather cools down, and people gather around the fire to snuggle up to its warmth. Families come around the table for feasts and stories, and moods are lightened while bellies are filled. However, for arthritis sufferers, this time of year can bring the opposite feelings. Cold weather can increase pain, some foods can increase swelling of the joints, and the stress of the holiday shopping season can increase the risk of arthritis flares. Learning how to manage arthritis during the holidays can help you tackle the rest of the year like a pro.

What are arthritis flares?

An arthritis flare is an episode of pain that can last anywhere between a few days and a few weeks. Some people who get these flares feel helpless. This means that if one comes up at the wrong time of year, you may very well miss all the holiday festivities. These flares are no joke, but if you know the warning signs and what causes them, you’ll be in a better position to avoid them in the future.

Luckily, you can avoid severe flares. It’s important to know what aggravates them and, more importantly, what triggers them. Be prepared because the holiday season is full of these triggers. While you may not avoid all of them, you can still do things to combat these triggers and keep a severe flare from ruining your holiday plans.

Holiday Foods Cause Triggers

One of the best things to look forward to every holiday season is the constant parade of food. Turkeys, hams, stuffing, potatoes, and an assortment of cranberries can get anyone to the table. Unfortunately, many of these foods can increase arthritis pain. When you sit down at your table, try to avoid these foods:

• Sugars
• Fatty Meats
• Dairy
• Gluten

Additionally, moderating and limiting these other foods can also help.

• Coffee
• Soda
• Alcohol
• Salt
• Processed Foods

Now I know what you’re thinking, “That’s all the food.” The good news is that over time and through trial and error, you may find that some of these foods affect your body more negatively than others. Perhaps, leading up to the big feast, you limit all of them. You’ll more than likely feel better, and your arthritis pain will subside. If you want to get daring, introduce one—perhaps dairy—and see how your body responds. If the pain gets significantly worse, you may want to avoid dairy altogether and try some fatty meats the following week. By the time you’re ready for your feast, you’ll know which foods trigger the worst response from your body and how to avoid them.

Food isn’t the only Trigger for Arthritis during the Holidays

The holiday season comes with more than just food. You’ll find that the season brings with it colder weather, more shopping, and longer hours to pack in all the activities. Note that cold weather alone is a big trigger for arthritis flares. Try to stay warm in these cold months. Not to mention that stress can also cause your symptoms to flare. Studies find that many people find the holiday season to be more stressful than the rest of the year. The other big worry this time of year is common illnesses like the cold or flu. Your body does its best to combat your arthritis during the good times. When it needs to fight the flu, it may not focus on your arthritis. Make sure you’re getting your flu shot and wash your hands regularly to avoid any unforeseen illness.

Having Arthritis During the Holidays isn’t all bad.

Now that you know the triggers of an arthritis flare, let’s investigate how to avoid them. Because let’s be honest, you’re not going to cut out sugar and stressful situations this holiday season. It’s almost impossible. Just make sure that if you’re in a stressful situation, you spend some time relaxing and take some personal time for yourself. Perhaps you get a massage once a week. Or you can end your day in a nice, relaxing bubble bath. The warm water will do wonders for your joints, and the alone time can help you find peace. Another good way to avoid stress is to start every morning with some meditation. Center your mind, and your body will follow.