HOW MEDITATIVE WALKS EASE ACHES AND PAINS

“There are three main causes of joint pain with rheumatoid arthritis, and stress can make all of them

worse,” says rheumatologist Daniel Clauw, M.D., director of the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center at the University of Michigan Medical School. Indeed, 86% of arthritis sufferers say that stress is their most frequent cause of symptom flare-ups. Dr. Clauw explains that stress can increase pain-inducing inflammation, as well as stimulate receptors in the brain that increase our perception of pain and sap energy, making it difficult to tune out aches over time.

The good news: Stress-reducing strategies like meditative walks can ease symptoms. A new study at the University of California found that taking note of the awe-inspiring aspects of nature as you stroll triples feelings of calm joy, while other studies have shown that these slower walks lower levels of ache-triggering inflammatory markers and dial back stress to reduce feelings of pain.

To get the perks, follow Lesley Hobbs’ lead and head out for a meditative walk in nature at least four times each week. Strolling for just 15 minutes each time is enough to get the study-proven benefits.