Optimism can fuel the body’s immune system and trigger natural pain killers. The stress of dealing with a chronic pain day after day, week after week, can take a toll on the mental state and cause depression. Positivity is essential for good health, and there is growing evidence that any medical illness is caused by a negative mental state, pessimism, or stress that has a negative impact on the immunity, especially in the case of rheumatoid arthritis.

The human brain has the incredible skill to create a tailor-made prescription to nurture and heal the body. The natural painkillers like gamma globulin, which strengthen the immune system, and interferon help combat infections produced by the brain. These endorphins are suppressed when we do not take care of ourselves, escalating rheumatoid arthritis. When depression sets, one forgets medication, forgoes exercise, a healthy diet, and loses sleep, which can affect the body’s normal mechanism. A bit of support from family and friends could help one deal better with the disease, both physically and emotionally.

Being optimistic has a simple formula: avoid thinking about what might happen or what deformity may pop up. Hold on to positive thoughts even if you are not as strong as before. It’s the mind-body connection, a healthy state of mind being an integral element of a healthy body. Ensuring that all medications are never missed and exercising regularly, continuing office work and performing daily chores at home, and leading a happy and fulfilling life with family and friends can be great ways to deal with this condition.

Making optimism a goal can create an ideal situation to help cope with this dynamic condition as unpredictability may be the biggest problem faced in this case. A few tips on being positive with rheumatoid arthritis:

• Ensure adequate sleep
  Sleep deprivation is a major cause of more stress and pain.
• Regular exercise
  It is proven that exercise elevates the mood, fights depression, stress and anxiety. Also, there are long-term benefits of a healthier nervous system and stronger muscles with exercise.
• Seek counseling if required
  It is found that people who have someone to talk to have stronger emotional health. It could be a family member, a friend, or a professional counselor. Joining a support group or learning more about the disease through reliable sources can help one feel more in control of the disease.
• Treat the disease objectively
  Do not allow the condition to rule one’s life. Instead, focus on it when required and find ways to distract yourself otherwise.
• Connect mind, body, and soul
  Practicing yoga and taking meditation, with the guidance of an expert, can be a great way to heighten the body and mind.

It is hope which encourages one to see the silver lining in every cloud. It is positivity that perceives the glass half full and not half empty and the realist who acknowledges the pain and physical constraints. However, only the optimist moves on with life, exploring its brighter side to live it to the fullest.