Experience your pain so that you can work through it. Don't be afraid to express your physical and emotional pain. Tears and anger are natural and may help you work through and let go of your pain.
- Learn to laugh. Try to see humor in your situation. This should bring relief from tension and help you to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
- Utilize your special support persons or seek counseling.
- Keep open lines of communication. Relieve tension through honest, open communication with your family, friends, co-workers, and health professionals.
- Don't neglect your personal time. Although relationships with your loved ones are important, time alone can also be soothing. Use the time to reflect on your situation and make wise judgements. You may also work on projects or hobbies to help relieve stress and allow opportunities for personal growth.
- Arm yourself with knowledge about your illness and how it affects you personally. Take responsibility for your illness and how you deal with it, and you may find that a new optimism on life emerges.
Responding to Stress Many IBD sufferers know the cycle of a flare-up. Some believe stress can trigger a flare. Others believe a flare-up causes stress. Whatever you believe, stress definitely plays a role in inflammatory bowel disease.
Following are some tips on handling stress.
Become Knowledgeable.
- Understand the process of stress.
- Understand the effects of stress.
- Anticipate stressful periods and plan ahead for them.
Understanding Your Feelings
- Acknowledge your feelings.
- Share your feelings with others.
- Differentiate between thoughts and feelings.
- Learn to be flexible.
- Learn to adapt.
Establish/Maintain a Strong Support System
- Ask for help.
- Accept help when it is offered.
Develop Behavioral Skills
- Be assertive.
- Learn to say no.
- Learn to take breaks.
- Avoid blaming others.
- Use your time productively.
- Do not dwell on things.
- Think positive.
Develop Lifestyle Habits
- Regularly perform some type of exercise.
- Obtain sufficient rest.
Believe in yourself!
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