Lupus Flare Survival Guide: Tips for Rest and Relief

We all know about to the wild ride through the land of lupus flares. You know the one when you’re chilling, living your best life, and BAM! Your body decides to throw a tantrum like a toddler denied candy.

The pesky lupus flares. The uninvited guests who show up whenever they please, eating all your energy and leaving you with pain as the coveted party favor. It's like your body decided, “You know what we need today? Chaos!” And just like that, you're hit and knocked down for the count. For those of you who don’t know that my friends, is a lupus flare. And let me tell you, it’s not a party you can RSVP to.

Help is on the Way

I get it. I’ve often got out of bed feeling like a semi-truck hit me, reversed, and hit me again just for good measure. Sometimes I start the day fine, and by lunch, I’m asking myself, “Why does my left pinky toe hurt?!”  It’s the classic lupus drama.

Listen, I know you are rolling your eyes hard because I know you know exactly what I’m talking about. However, I need you to save that energy. Here’s the thing, while we can’t always stop a flare from happening, we can learn to ride it out in a more helpful way towards our body. Think of it as flare survival skills 101. And guess what? You’re not alone in this. We all got through it and can help each other.

So, grab your heating pad, your favorite blanket, and maybe a snack (because we all know flares and snacks go hand-in-hand). Let’s talk lupus flare care.

Caring for Myself During a Lupus Flare

When a lupus flare hits, it feels like my body turns against me. Pain, fatigue, and unpredictable symptoms take over, leaving me drained. Over the years, I’ve learned that taking care of myself during these moments isn’t optional, it’s necessary and essential.

Listen to My Body and Rest Without Guilt

One of the hardest things I’ve learned is to rest without feeling guilty. During a flare, my body sends loud signals to slow down. For a long time, I ignored these signals, trying to push through the pain. That never worked. Now, I embrace rest as part of my healing.

I was hard to decipher the subtle messages too. Achy joints? Time for a warm bath. Fatigue overwhelming? A nap is mandatory. Pain shooting through my chest? I don't push it. I contact my doctor immediately. Ignoring these signals only prolongs the suffering and could be something more. Therefore, I do not hesitate to phone my doctor.

I nap when I need to. Additionally, I set aside tasks that aren’t urgent. And I remind myself that taking care of me comes first. That NO is a complete sentence, and the laundry and emails can wait. Rest isn’t laziness, it’s medicine for my body.

Nourish Myself with Gentle Foods

Eating well can be hard during a flare. Sometimes I’m too tired to cook or even eat much. That’s when I turn to gentle, nourishing foods. Warm broths, smoothies packed with nutrients, and anti-inflammatory teas like ginger or turmeric become my best friends.

Hydration is equally important. I keep water or herbal teas by my side and sip throughout the day. These little steps help me feel more grounded and give my body what it needs to heal and keep a little energy.

Use Tools That Bring Comfort

When a flare slaps me up, my toolkit comes out. Heating pads soothe my aching joints. Weighted blankets help ease my anxiety and fatigue. I keep a stock of cozy socks and soft clothes to make myself as comfortable as possible.

Sometimes, a simple act of self-care like running a warm bath or lighting a calming candle makes a big difference. These small comforts remind me that I deserve care, even when I’m struggling.

Practice Mindful Acceptance

Fighting against a flare only makes it worse for me. Instead, I practice mindful acceptance. I acknowledge that this is a tough situation, but it won’t last forever.

Deep breathing, journaling, or listening to calming music helps me stay present. I focus on what I can control, like how I care for myself, and release the rest. It’s not always easy, but it brings me a sense of peace.

Reach Out for Support

Being in a flare can feel isolating, but I’ve learned not to go through it alone. I let my family and friends know what I’m experiencing. If I need help with groceries, meals, or just someone to listen, I ask. Moreover, I stopped acting like I can do it all alone and accept the help when I ask for it.

I also lean on my lupus community. Whether it’s an online support group or a local lupus warrior friend, connecting with others who understand what I’m going through helps me feel less alone.

Communicate with My Medical Team

During a flare, I make sure to check in with my doctor. I know at times I don’t want to seem like a baby, or I want to seem strong. But it’s important to me to keep my medical team apprised of the situation. Sometimes, adjustments to medications or treatments are necessary to get things back on track.

It’s important to advocate for myself, especially when I’m feeling low. I keep a symptom diary to share with my doctor. It helps them understand what’s going on and make informed decisions about my care.

Be Kind to Myself

Finally, and maybe most importantly, I practice self-kindness and compassion. Flares are tough so I give myself grace. Lupus can test my patience and push my limits. But I remind myself that I’m doing the best I can.

As a result, I let go of perfection. My body is already fighting hard. I don’t need to add extra pressure by expecting myself to be superhuman. I swiftly hang up my cape and give myself a hug. Because, on flare days, surviving is enough.

Gentle Reminder

If you’re going through a flare, remember, you’re not alone. Find what works for you to be be more comfortable and take it one moment at a time. Give yourself the same care you’d give a loved one. You are stronger than you think, even in the midst of the flare you can still give yourself care.