Why Feeling Happy Can Help Heal Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain

Something I have learned living with rheumatoid arthritis for 24 years — and being in remission for almost 17 — is this:

Your emotional state matters far more than most people realize.

For a long time, I didn’t know that. I thought healing was only about food, supplements, exercise, or doing “all the right things.”

And while those pieces absolutely matter, they were only part of the picture.

What I didn’t realise was how much my inner world was affecting my body.

The Quiet Stress I Didn’t Know I Was Carrying

Before my healing journey truly began, I used to worry about everything. Not out loud. Not in obvious ways.

I held it in quietly — stressful thoughts, fears, pressure to cope, pressure to be strong. I didn’t want to burden anyone. I didn’t even fully acknowledge it myself.

What I didn’t know then was that I was unknowingly building up chronic amounts of inflammation.

Deep emotions and stressful thoughts don’t just stay in your head.They show up in your joints.In your energy.In your immune system.

When your nervous system is constantly stressed, your body stays in a state of protection. And when that happens, it can slow progress of your treatment of your condition — no matter how “healthy” everything else looks on the surface.

Learning to Reset My Nervous System

That’s why learning how to reset your nervous system became a non-negotiable part of my healing journey.

This wasn’t about pretending everything was fine or forcing positivity.It wasn’t about ignoring pain or “thinking happy thoughts.”

It was about creating safety in my body again.

Because healing doesn’t happen when your body feels threatened.Healing happens when your body feels calm, supported, and safe.

Choosing Joy — Even in the Smallest Moments

One of the most powerful shifts I made was learning to have fun in everything I do — even mundane things like getting up early to go to the gym.

Joy doesn’t have to be big or dramatic.Sometimes it’s choosing a lighter attitude.Sometimes it’s laughing at yourself.Sometimes it’s simply not rushing through life in tension.

One small practice I still love:Before you do your hair and put your makeup on, look yourself in the eye and smile.

It sounds simple — but it’s powerful.

Give yourself some love.That brief moment of connection can shift your entire emotional and physical state.

Getting Into a Great State Is Part of Healing

Over time, I learned to do what I had to do to get in a great state — emotionally and mentally.

That looked like:

• Laughing more

• Listening to music

• Dancing

• Meditating

• Practicing deep breathing

• Being grateful for all the good in my life

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These moments aren’t “extra.”They’re not optional add-ons.

They are part of the healing.

When you feel happier, safer, and more relaxed, your body listens.Your inflammation responds.Your healing deepens.

Healing Is More Than Physical

This journey taught me that healing isn’t only about food, supplements, or movement.

It’s also about joy .Self-connection. Emotional safety.

And when those pieces come together, your body finally has the space it needs to heal.