Daily awareness matters when you’re managing autoimmune disease.

Last week, one of my sisters told me she was chatting with a friend and telling her about all the ways I manage autoimmunity and make the best of each day. It was a reminder to me too! Since living this way is my daily norm, I don’t really see it as unique, but I guess it is.

Today, I’m sharing a list of many ways I take care of myself, without taking DMARDs or biologics. But, let me back up. The first year I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, I tried a few of those medications. I didn’t like the side effects, and they just didn’t feel right for me, so I looked for other ways to manage my condition.

Ditto when I was diagnosed with eczema.

These ideas focus on managing autoimmune conditions, but may also benefit those looking for little ways to elevate their physical, emotional and mental health.

Disclosure: This blog is reader-supported, which means this post contains affiliate links and advertisements. I earn a small commission if you shop through them, which helps fund this website so I can continue to bring you amazing content. Thank you! ~Angela

Natural Ways I Manage My Autoimmune Conditions

Here’s a round-up of the things I do on an ongoing basis to enhance my wellness as I manage rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, celiac disease and more. Maybe a few of them can help you too!

1. Notice How Food Affects My Skin Health

It’s taken years, but I’m pretty aware of how various foods affect my body.

Alcohol suppresses my immune system functioning, leaving me feeling run down. Too much dairy makes my skin itchy. And sugar? Oh boy — I love sweet treats, but when I have too many, my skin flakes out, literally.

I talk all about it in this blog post, “Does Sugar Affect Eczema Skin Rashes?“.

2. Embrace Holistic Health Modalities

I’m always reading and learning about ways to keep my core body systems in balance and working the best they can.

Holistic (mind and body wellness) approaches, including homeopathy, have been huge in helping me feel better.

I discuss this at length in “I’m Trying a Holistic, Homeopathic Approach to Healing Autoimmunity“.

3. Pace My Daily Activities

My brain and body are rarely on the same page. I have tons of ideas to explore, things I want to do and places to go — but my body often reminds me that I can’t simply do it all, all the time!

I fight autoimmune fatigue by pacing my daily activities. I talk all about this in “The Importance of Pacing Yourself When Managing Chronic Illness“.

The Importance of Pacing Yourself When Managing Chronic Illness

4. Limit Time in the Sunshine and Heat

When I have free time, there’s a good chance I’m outside.

I love nature walks with my dog, spending time tubing on lakes with my boyfriend and tending to my plants in my yard. But, when you have autoimmune disease, you might notice you’re more fatigued and inflamed when spending time outside on hot days.

I go into detail about why this is and how I balance time outdoors with managing my delicate immune system in “How Summer Heat Affects Autoimmune Disease (A Patient Perspective)“.

5. Use Guided Meditations and Guided Imagery

As a former newspaper photographer, it’s probably no surprise that I’m a very visual personal. I love to pay attention to details in the world around me, and close my eyes to dream of a healthier me.

What? Yes! Guided meditations and guided imagery have a profound, positive effect on our brains. I share a first-person moment that might intrigue you in “How Imaginary Light Soothes My Chronic Pain“.

6. Advocate for Myself at Medical Appointments

There is one person responsible for your health, and it’s you.

And, if you’re managing autoimmunity, you’re also likely attending many appointments with doctors and health practioners. Sure, they might rush through your visit, but you have to always speak up for yourself, even if it feels pushy or difficult.

I share a little story about this in “Speak Up! A Short Story About Advocating for Yourself“.

7. Attend Yoga Classes

I love my time on my yoga mat. It’s relaxing, healing and often the pause I need in my day to slow down.

I write on this website often about the many benefits of yoga, but when you’re newly diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, you’re likely very sick and not feeling well enough to go to your local studio. Why not try yoga classes online from the comfort of your home?

I share more about this idea in “5 Benefits of Taking Online Yoga Classes“.

8. Go to Acupuncture Appointments

Your body can’t work well when you have stuck energy.

Acupuncture works on clearing the energy pathways in our bodies, so all the systems can work together. If this sounds a little woo woo to you, the energetic pathways follow the central nervous system, lymphatic system, and more.

I share about my first acupuncture appointment in this essay,”A New Way to Move Stagnant Energy and Reduce Pain: I Tried Acupuncture and Moxibustion“.

9. Set Small, Achievable Goals

Stress instantly zaps your energy when you’re managing chronic illness.

So, I’ve learned to make my to-do list, but not assume I can finish the entire page in a day! I need to work a little slower and more mindful on things, with lots of breaks in between. (Yes, pacing myself!)

You might enjoy reading “The Magic of Micro-Goals“.

10. Spend Time In Nature

Everyone has a place that makes them feel relaxed and whole.

For me, it’s time in nature, usually dense forested areas with walking trails. I instantly feel more calm, connected and at peace when I’m outside surrounded by trees, plants, wildlife, sunshine and water.

I wrote a poem about this realization. You can read “Into Nature I Often Go“.

If you’ve enjoyed this list, you may want to browse the CupcakesAndYogaPants.com blog. I have a search box where you can look up a specific condition or health topic, to see if I have written about it!

I write about managing autoimmune diseases, and a few other health conditions (including migraines and hypoglycemia) and publish a new post on the first Tuesday of each month. If you’d like a reminder in your email inbox each time I share a new blog post, you can sign up here.

(And yes, it’s just me behind the screen blogging. I don’t sell your information or have a team to spam you with random emails.)

Until next time,
Choose healthy!
Angela

PS: Wonder what I’m up to today? Visit me on Facebook at Cupcakes and Yoga Pants!

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