As anyone with eczema can attest, a severe flare-up can be more than just physically discomforting. The persistent itch, the inflamed skin, and the consequent lack of sleep can take a toll on one’s emotional and mental health too. In these times, finding an effective distraction that requires focus and yet isn’t too taxing can be a game-changer. This article will explore a few such distractions, including the surprisingly therapeutic game of Online Checkers.

The Power of Distraction:

Before delving into specific distractions, let’s understand why distraction can be a potent tool during a bad eczema flare-up. The mind can only focus on a limited number of things at any given time. When we consciously direct our attention to something that is engaging, there’s less room left to dwell on discomfort or pain. The distraction doesn’t eliminate the physical sensation, but it can make it more bearable.

Online Checkers: An Engaging Diversion

Online checkers can serve as a highly effective distraction. The game is easy to learn but requires strategic thinking that can help take your mind off the physical discomfort of eczema. It’s a timeless classic now available on numerous platforms, allowing you to play against AI or real players around the world. Here’s why it works:

  • Mental Engagement: The strategic aspect of checkers requires focus and planning. This mental engagement is the perfect antidote to the constant preoccupation with itching and discomfort.
  • Accessibility: As long as you have an internet connection, you can play checkers online. It’s available on various platforms, including mobile devices, meaning you can distract yourself anytime, anywhere.
  • Social Interaction: If you’re feeling isolated due to your condition, online checkers can provide a sense of connection. You can play with friends or make new ones in the online community.
  • Progress and Achievement: There’s a sense of accomplishment in winning a game, and this positivity can help alter your mood and mindset, helping to better manage the psychological aspects of dealing with eczema.

Reading and Audiobooks: A Literary Escape

Losing yourself in the pages of a gripping novel or an insightful non-fiction book can provide a welcome escape. The characters, plot twists, and the author’s imagination can transport you to a different world, offering relief from the itching and discomfort. If holding a book exacerbates your symptoms or if you’re struggling to sleep, try an audiobook. The narration can be calming, and you can listen to it while resting or even during sleepless nights.

Mindful Meditation: Centering Your Mind

Mindfulness and meditation techniques can help shift your focus away from the discomfort and bring about a calming effect. Techniques like guided imagery help focus your mind on pleasant scenes or experiences, providing a mental escape from your current discomfort. Progressive muscle relaxation, where you sequentially tense and relax different muscle groups, can help distract the mind and also promote physical relaxation. Remember, these methods take practice, so be patient with yourself.

Arts and Crafts: Unleashing Creativity

Engaging in creative activities like drawing, painting, knitting, or even coloring can serve as a gentle yet absorbing distraction. The concentration required can help take your mind off the itching, while the act of creating can be therapeutic in itself. Plus, you get the satisfaction of creating something beautiful or useful. Don’t worry about being ‘good’ at it; the goal is distraction and enjoyment.

Physical Activity: Movement as Medicine

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, a light walk, yoga, or some form of gentle exercise can distract your mind and also release endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters. Exercise also promotes better sleep, which is often a challenge during a bad eczema flare-up. However, ensure to avoid activities that make you sweat excessively as it might exacerbate your eczema.

Seeking Professional Help:

While distractions are a helpful coping mechanism, they are not a substitute for professional medical care. Always consult with a dermatologist or an allergist for the proper diagnosis and treatment of eczema. They’ll likely use a combination of eczema cream and moisturizing. Keeping your doctor in the loop about how your condition is affecting your daily life will help them provide the most effective treatment plan for you.

Living with eczema requires patience and resilience, and distractions like online checkers can be an effective tool in your coping arsenal. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, the goal is to find activities that can shift your focus away from the discomfort. So the next time you’re in the throes of a flare-up, consider firing up a game of online checkers or diving into a new hobby – you might be surprised at how much it helps.