There aren’t many worse days than those when I have to put up with arthritis when it’s turned up to 11. Everyday tasks feel unbearable. Having arthritis in my hands, wrists, elbows and knees is a nightmare on a bad day, so just sitting up in bed is a mission. And when my day is turning out to be a crap show, I usually end up bingeing on Netflix series and rented films.
So, having had this sort of day a lot, I thought I’d talk about five little life hacks that make my day a little easier, and might help you too.
1) Netflix, YouTube and Now TV timers
People reading this will well know that joint pain can be absolutely unbearable, so it’s amazing to find out that you won’t have to do a thing when that episode of Breaking Bad finishes, not even press the remote control, because of the countdown timer to the next episode. It’s a massive relief on those days and makes me thankful for these tiny but merciful features that slightly ease the pain (especially after watching Breaking Bad). And it isn’t just Netflix that has a timer. You’ll be glad to hear both NOW TV and YouTube both have this lifesaver as well.
2) Any Cushions
When lying in bed, it can be hard to just move a muscle. Having arthritis in my hands, wrists, elbows and knees is tough, but some nice big square cushions (or any cushion) can make adjusting and comfort a heck of a lot less painful. Anything fluffy works as well. Now you can lay back and relax.
3) Digital comics
I happen to love my comics; so being able to read them on a tablet solves the page-turning problem. Being able to read at the touch of a button is a massive mercy on my hands and wrists. It also means I can get lost in a good comic, be it Outcast or Batman. It’s a great time-killer. The same is true of the Kindle, with buttons at either side of the screen making reading a book as easy and painless as possible. Definitely a must-buy for book buffs. There’s a solution for most problems nowadays.
4) Wireless speaker
I love my music, so the thought of not owning a wireless speaker wouldn’t cross my mind. I would get one straightaway if I were you. I have headphones of course, but they’re wired, so my best bet is always my wireless speaker which connects to my phone instantly, meaning a LOT of Arctic Monkeys, Coldplay, Wolf Alice and Muse blaring. The lyrics can impact me more, be it What If by Coldplay or Silk from Wolf Alice; meaning drifting away is a nice distraction from the pain.
5) A plastic cup
Anyone from the outside would question my use of a plastic cup for tea in the morning (see photo for my special mug!), Yet arthritis sufferers will know that the feel of plastic is much nicer than a normal china mug, meaning I can enjoy a cup of tea even when my body’s gone to pot! If you haven’t tried it, I suggest you do. It’s a real pain relief.
And there are my five life hacks. I hope you found this useful.
Thanks for reading.
Charlie
Meet Charlie and other friendly folk on Arthur’s Place Social, our Facebook Group
(Any opinions expressed in Charlie’s blog are not necessarily shared by Arthur’s Place. Nothing that you read in Charlie’s blog constitutes medical advice.)
