Balancing Life with Psoriatic Arthritis
What does my daily routine look like when I take on additional projects?
In today’s unpredictable world, managing Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) requires constant adjustments. For me, it means recognizing when my body has had enough. Taking on extra tasks significantly impacts whether I have an easy or a rough night. This has been an eye-opening experience.
One of the biggest challenges? Cold weather. Spending more time outside has intensified my pain. I can feel a noticeable difference between staying indoors and being exposed to the elements. The cold triggers flare-ups, making my PsA pain skyrocket.
Feeling the Pain
The moment I overexert myself, the pain sets in immediately—and it’s unbelievable.
- Legs, fingers, knees—all aching intensely.
- A 4-hour drive vs. a 1-hour drive—the difference is staggering.
- Standing for 4 hours instead of 1—my body protests every extra minute.
When I first took on extra projects, I didn’t expect them to affect me this much. But it turns out, my body knows when I push beyond my limits. The impact is immediate. Less sleep, more activity—my autoimmune system feels every bit of it.
Paying the Cost
One thing I’ve learned about PsA? Flare-ups are unpredictable.
I keep going until—boom—it hits me hard. And when it does, it demands my attention.
- Swelling so severe that climbing stairs becomes difficult.
- Feeling like my body is fighting against me for pushing too far.
- Realizing that I’m paying the price for taking on too much.
The truth is, our bodies talk to us. If we don’t listen, we suffer the consequences.
Knowing Your Limits
Understanding how much I can handle has been a game-changer in managing my PsA.
- I’ve learned to limit the number of projects I take on each week.
- This has helped me regain control over simple daily tasks—like holding a pen, climbing stairs, or even walking my dog.
- There’s an old saying: “Don’t bite off more than you can chew.” I now realize I was doing just that.
Finding my limit has been the first step toward living better with Psoriatic Arthritis.
The Outcome
So far, so good.
By managing my responsibilities more carefully, I’ve achieved a new level of comfort. My joints send signals when I overdo it, and I’ve learned to listen. There’s no pleasure in stiff, aching muscles and joints.
The most important lesson? Avoid unnecessary pain.
- I’m sleeping better.
- I’ve dropped some extra projects.
- I’m navigating daily life with more control.
PsA is a challenge, but by understanding my body’s limits, I can live with less pain and more balance.