I’m not the New Year’s resolution type of person, but I am the type to assess what is working, what is not, and what makes sense to give a try. The “what can I try” question is what prompted me to hatch the Get Stronger Get Healthier Trifecta for 2021.
My strategy to manage my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is forever evolving. I think in terms of controlling inflammation, strengthening muscles to support the joints, and improving gut health as the immune system is so closely related to the microbiome.
The First of the Trifecta:
Positive thinking. The pandemic has been a constant stressor and my joints confirm this. With so many unknowns, the stress is often at the subconscious level. I wash my hands frequently, social distance-usually outside (even in frigid Wisconsin!), and stay connected with friends by internet chatting. So I am doing what I can to prevent exposure to the virus, but I need more.
Our family has purposed to keep things simple and to be especially considerate of each other during this time. We have unplugged from the majority of media and simply read more. So that is where the positive thinking comes in. Good food for thought to help me to stay calm and keep a sunny disposition is the goal.
So how am I doing this? I bought the ‘Little House on the Prairie’ book series to take me back to younger days. My forth grade teacher would read a chapter of one of the books after lunch each day. I so enjoyed that. Growing up in South Dakota, I’m very familiar with life on the prairie and it is fun to immerse myself in what I’m reading.
I’m also reading the Psalms. King David has a way of capturing every emotion I can imagine and takes me through the thoughts to end up in a better place. I want to be honest with what I’m feeling and need a way to work through what I’m struggling with to come to a peace about it.
The Second of the Trifecta:
Quick Hit Training. I train twice a week to improve the strength of my muscles in order to better support my joints. I do resistance training to build up my bones, because I need to be concerned about osteoarthritis. I have been working with my trainer for several months and will have some metrics to share shortly. At that time I will share more detail.
The Third of the Trifecta:
30 Days to Healthy Living dietary reset. This is a program and I’ve never been interested in such a thing until now. Because gut health is so dependent on a healthy microbiome, and the microbiome is implicated in RA, I decided to give it a try. I know my level of inflammation is effected by what I eat, therefore it seems reasonable to do this program. I have learned my body tells me how it is doing by how I feel. I will share more detail after I do the 30 day program.
So there you have my plan to get stronger and get healthier in 2021. I look forward to sharing my results with you.
I would love to hear from you what you are doing to manage your arthritis. Please leave a comment below!
Take good care!
XXOO Cathy
