I think consistent exercise has helped me the most. I was riding my bicycle outdoors 30-35 km every other day for 10 years. Having to stop last year for RA med failures really showed me how much it helps my body and mind. Plus I used to listen to Christisn music while riding, so a great time of prayer and praise to occupy my mind.
Since January, I have been trying to be more consistent about stretches and indoor biking, plus weights in opposite days, and despite the pain and swelling, I feel a lot better. Even the muscles are returning.
Of course, you have to eat well, but I've always been an
organic vegetarian, so that is not an issue for me!
I drink a lot is water. Probably a lot more than 2 litres. I have Sjogren's Stndrome, which is dry eyes and mouth and sometimes organs, so I sip water all day long and never go anywhere without a water bottle.
Getting enough good quality sleep is important. Plus not living in a negative or hostile environment. For women with RA, childhood abuse had been correlated to a high rate of RA among women who have the RA gene. Not that we have control of our childhood environment!
More than one thing, but all essential, IMHO.
As for pharmaceuticals, I am grateful every day I have access to them. My life would not be worth living if I didn't have the biologics, DMARDS, asthma drugs, Synthroid, pain killers, and even prednisone, which had kept my head above water this year! No one pushed them on me- I begged for them, and I cannot regret taking them, especially the RA meds.