Staying at home and arthritis

23 March 2020
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The latest government advice is for everyone to stay at home and to:

  • Only go outside for food, health reasons or essential work
  • Stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people
  • Wash your hands as soon as you get home

Everyone will be continue to practice social distancing for some weeks to protect themselves or others. People over 70, people who are pregnant, and people with long-term health conditions people with long-term health conditions, such as those who are told to get the flu jab each year by their doctor, should take extra care.

Please see the NHS advice on staying at home and advice on social distancing for more information. 

What can we do?

We know that self-distancing and self-isolation may impact on people’s mood – you might feel low or anxious.

Here’s our advice on what you can do to help each other.

Keep connected

It is very likely you will be seeing less of your friends, family and loved ones.

Whilst there will be less face to face contact, you can still keep connected with friends, neighbours and loved ones through phone calls, social media and email. 

You can keep in touch and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 

If you are self-isolating, see the latest NHS advice for details. 

It’s good to talk 

If you’re worried about your arthritis and coronavirus and want to chat to someone, call our helpline or visit our online community and talk to other people. 

Our community is a safe online space where you’ll find useful information about living with arthritis. This includes recent conversations from members on sharing store cupboard food ideas to help keep healthy. 

Keep moving 

Why not get online to see what exercise options you can do from the comfort of your front room. There’s lots of choices out there from yoga, Pilates to chair-based sessions. Find what suits your interest and ability.  

For ideas on exercise options check out our exercise resources and specific exercises to manage pain. 

Read the latest guidance on staying at home and away from others on the gov.uk website. 

Start a new hobby

Hobbies can be great ways of learning a new skill.  

If you have always wanted to learn a language or start meditating, why not watch some videos on YouTube or download some free podcasts to guide you through the basics. 

Write a ‘therapeutic’ to do list

There are always those jobs that you keep meaning to do if only you had the time.  

Give yourself an opportunity to write your top 5 down. They can be anything big or small, from taking a leisurely bath, getting creative, writing a poem, reading more books or sorting out photos.   

We’re here to support you 

If you’re feeling isolated from family and friends during these uncertain times, we’re here for you. 

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