During the mad rush that always seems to accompany the end of the year, I often forget this most basic lupie rule. Between holiday shopping, wrapping a mountain of presents, sending out cards, mailing off packages, attending pageants and the never-ending round of parties and celebrations, I often ignore my body's signals: "Yo, Karyn! Getting tired now! Must rest now! Excuse me? Is anybody up there? Is this thing on? Hello...?"
Trust me, I have the best excuses! "I'm just tired because of the cold spell." (I go into "hibernation mode" at 55 degrees.) "I must have forgotten my vitamins again." "I'll go to bed early tonight, I promise! Right after I finish off....(Enter current crisis here.)" The list is endless, because the "To-Do" list is also endless! What's a good, flare-avoiding lupie to do?
- Learn your body's language
If you pay attention to your body, you'll learn how to pick up on the little pre-flare cues that your body gives. You may notice that you've got a mouth ulcer. Or that you're suddenly sleeping 14 hours a day. If you usually get anemic during a flare, and you suddenly notice that you're much paler than normal, take it as a heads-up!
These signs could be your body trying to warn you that a flare is imminent. While you may not be able to completely avoid the flare, discovering it early enough may allow you to start a short round of prednisone, or to do something else to help make the flare as mild as possible.
- Don't forget to eat, sleep and breathe
I know that these seem basic, but you might be surprised how often we neglect the necessities! Getting adequate nutrition (That means fresh fruits and veggies, not carrot cake!) will help us maintain our bodies.
Sleep -- Who ever gets enough? But where inadequate rest means an extra cup of coffee for most people, it can be the main ingredient in a flare recipe for us! Do what you have to do in order to get enough rest, even if it means hiring a babysitter so you can have an hour nap in the afternoon!
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