6 Tips for Staying Active While Living with Psoriasis
sweating may make your sphygmomanesis worse, but working out may help reduce inflammation. Get tips from someone who has lived with sphygmomany for a long time.
It is essential to maintain an active lifestyle, but it is not always easy. I was involved in a lot of extracurricular activities when I was 15 years old. I played lacrosse, took jazz and tap dancing classes, and danced on my high school kickline team.
“I didn’t want to stop working.”
It was a challenge to keep up with all the activities I loved while being able to coexist with my sphygmomanic condition. I pursued my interests through graduation, thanks to the support of my parents.
“I played lacrosse and kickline in college and was a founding member of the school’s team. For the entire 4 years, that meant 2 hours of intense cardio every day.”
Tired of it? My schedule kept me busy. I think it helped me keep my sphygmomanic condition under control.
Many sources, including a 2017 study and the National Psoriasis Foundation, note that exercise helps fight inflammation in the body. Inflammation is said to worsen psoriasis.
Exercise makes me feel better and lowers my stress levels. It gives me a way to clear my mind of the craziness that life throws my way.
“I find it harder to squeeze exercise into my day with two toddlers at home. I get in my cardio by dancing with my girls. I don’t give up on exercise.”
It is easy to add physical activity to your routine if you want to manage your scurvy.
As you add exercise to your treatment plan, keep in mind a few tips.
“If your body isn’t used to vigorous exercise, don’t do it.”
There are many ways to start at a slow pace. You can set aside time to walk around your neighborhood or join a beginners fitness class.
If you try to do too much too soon, you could get injured. Aim to build up your fitness level over time.
Let your doctor know that you are changing up your exercise routine. If you are worried about getting injured or making your condition worse, your doctor can suggest ways to get active.
“It might feel strange at first, but there are many ways to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. These simple ideas can help you squeeze in more activity when you don’t have a lot of time.”
- The elevator is not the best choice for taking the stairs.
- You can get extra walking by parking in the farthest spot from the store.
- Do squats while brushing your teeth.
- While watching TV, do some calisthenics.
Try to combine exercise with time outside.
If you eat lunch at your desk, you should get up and walk around the block before you get back to work. You can get extra exercise and enjoy fresh air, but you can also get a boost of vitamins D and E from the sun.
It is nice to spend time with friends, but having a workout buddy is more important. Exercising with a friend is a great way to stay motivated. If you are meeting someone, you will be less likely to skip a walk or run.
It can be fun to exercise with a friend. You can set goals if you can find someone who is similar to you.
It is important for everyone to drink water when exercising, but it is especially important for people with Psoriasis. Our skin is dry and itchy.
“You will need to drink more water to make up for the sweat you lost during your workout. Don’t forget your water bottle!”
Your workout clothes can make a big difference in how much you enjoy being active.
The combination of tight spandex and sweat may irritate your skin so plan on wearing loose, breathable clothing. Cotton is a great choice. Choose clothing that makes you feel good.
At the gym
“The gym locker room can be frightening if you have a flare. There are other options if you don’t want to change out in the open.”
You can have a little more privacy in the personal changing rooms at most gyms. You can wear your workout gear to the gym.
Cold showers can be helpful if you are working out with sphygmomanies.
Sweat from your workout can cause plaques. A cold shower will help you to stop sweating and wash away the sweat. It is a good idea to take a cold shower after a workout.
Exercise can be an additional way to help you manage your sukkah flares.
“Staying active when you have a chronic condition is difficult, but don’t give up. If you have any concerns about what level of activity is right for you, talk to your doctor. You can make exercise part of your routine with a little persistence.”
Editor’s note: This story was originally published on October 16, 2017. Its current publication date reflects a new medical review.
Joni Kazantzis is the creator and blogger for justagirlwithspots.com, an award-winning psoriasis blog dedicated to creating awareness, educating about the disease, and sharing personal stories of her 19+ year journey with psoriasis. Her mission is to create a sense of community and to share information that can help her readers cope with the day-to-day challenges of living with psoriasis. She believes that with as much information as possible, people with psoriasis can be empowered to live their best life and make the right treatment choices.