Living with lupus means managing physical symptoms, emotional ups and downs, and the everyday challenges that come with an autoimmune condition. While there’s no one‑size‑fits‑all approach, many people find that caring for both the mind and body can make a meaningful difference.
To help support the lupus community, Lupus Therapeutics, the clinical affiliate of the Lupus Research Alliance, brought together people living with lupus, healthcare professionals, and wellness experts for a conversation about practical strategies to improve overall well‑being.
Moderated by poet and lupus warrior Shanelle Gabriel, here are some guided exercises and expert‑recommended tools you can try at home:
Relaxation and mindfulness can play an important role in helping manage the daily demands of life with lupus. Meditation may help reduce stress, calm the nervous system, and create space to check in with your body.
Jane Weedon, PT, MS, offers a guided meditation. She reminds participants that these practices don’t have to look the same for everyone — your practice can be flexible and centered on your experience.
Lupus can affect mobility, energy levels, and joint comfort. That’s why movement should always be gentle, adaptable, and responsive to how your body feels on any given day.
Timothy Grae, CEO & Founder of Grae Wellness, demonstrates a movement routine that can be modified for a wide range of abilities. His encouragement is simple: any movement counts. It does not need to be intense or lengthy. Small, consistent actions can support overall well‑being.
Stress is a major factor in managing autoimmune conditions. And, it can manifest in our bodies in a variety of ways.
Lilly Stairs, founder of Chronic Boss – a community for ambitious women navigating chronic illness – shares easy stress‑management techniques to incorporate into your daily routine.
Her advice? You don’t need a complete reset – start with one strategy that helps you manage your day.
These segments were part of a December 12 webinar sponsored by Adicet Bio. The views of the experts are not endorsed by Lupus Therapeutics or the Lupus Research Alliance.
