With the economy at an all time low, jobs under threat and the cost of living rising, it can be virtually impossible to escape the stress and strain of everyday life.
But relieving stress could have a positive effect on your arthritis or other chronic inflammatory conditions.
To do this many are turning to mindfulness meditation techniques. Designed for patients with persistent, long-term pain, the technique encourages them to focus on their breathing and bodily sensations and can be done while sitting, walking or practicing yoga.
While those who use the mindfulness technique may swear by its benefits, there has been little scientific research to show whether or not it makes any real impact on the pain experienced by arthritis sufferers.
But a recent study, carried out by neuroscientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, showed that the effects of the mindfulness technique were greater than the relief given by other stress relieving therapies.
Two methods of reducing stress were used; one was mindfulness meditation and the other was a program designed to enhance overall health.
While one group used mindfulness techniques, a second group of patients took part in the health enhancement program. This involved nutritional education, physical activity and music therapy. Some of the content was meant to match certain aspects of the mindfulness technique without the meditation element.
Both groups were given the same amount of training by instructors with the same level of expertise and the participants were expected to do the same amount of practice at home.
Using a test to bring on psychological stress and capsaicin cream to create inflammation on the skin, measurements of people in both groups were taken before and after the training.
Both techniques showed evidence of reducing stress, but those who took part in the mindfulness meditation experienced less stress related inflammation.
The study shows that alleviating stress can have a physical effect on your arthritis symptoms, but choosing the correct technique is vital.
While there are benefits from alternative therapies, prescribed medication is still, according to scientific research, the best treatment in the control of arthritis.