So what does 'dealing with stress' mean anyway?

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PeninsulaLil

Joined
Mar 28, 2010
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Being new here, as I browse the forums, I see lots of us saying that stress seemed to be a factor in flares and my GI and other docs have told me the same thing. I was wondering what people do to manage stress.
 
I usually write, it's a good way to express myself and get out my stress pretty fast. I usually feel a lot better after writing and getting everything out. If I don't feel like writing though, I'll probably try to get some sun. Even if it's for just a couple of minutes, it really helps.
 
I play video games, yoga. I used to paint a lot but unfortunately have gotten away from that in recent years.
 
When I flared before my diagnosis, I was the most stressed out I've ever been. I have no doubt that the flare and the state of my stress level were connected.

Now I try to not let things that would normally stress me out get to me anymore. I do restorative yoga, which is great. I also get acupuncture once a week. I get up early and hang out before I have to be anywhere (have breakfast, read, etc)

As for normal everyday stuff, I try and look at things differently. Live in the present.

I also remind myself that THIS TOO SHALL PASS.
 
redapple3 said:
Now I try to not let things that would normally stress me out get to me anymore.
Click to expand...


I think this is important. Don't worry about what you can't control. Don't stress the little things, think positively and just be here now.
 
Many years ago, when I had a stressful job that I did not love so much, I was having my usual Crohns symptoms. But, I loved to ski, and when I was on the mountain, I could ski all day and not use the bathroom.

I guess the lesson is, try and do something you love.

But, stages of life change, now it's 3 young kids, stressful marriage, and some times stressful job. And yes, my Crohns is a mess. Oh yeah, I have not been skiing in years :(
 
Thanks. Interesting replies. One thing is I'm never sure if I'm "under stress". Seems sometimes just the daily routine could be considered stressful-- trafficky commute to job, work for a bureaucracy, endless loads of laundry, etc. etc. etc. I used to journal regularly and would like to get back in the habit. One doc was highly suggesting deep breathing kind of something (meditation?). I might have tried it but it was a long drive on Monday nights after work and seemed like it would cause more stress than relief.
 
PeninsulaLil have you ever considered aromatherapy? I haven't tried it myself but I know a lot of people that really destress when they do it. It's something that I would consider :)
 
For regular stress here's what I do:
- Read a book
- Play a video game
- Go on the internet
- Watch TV/movies
- Play with my cat
- Lay down and listen to loud music (drowns out everything else)
- Leave the house and go somewhere for a walk (could be a park or a store, main thing is to just walk around a place I'm not normally at)
- Sometimes I paint, draw or sculpt (but that's also my major not a hobby so I don't do it that often, working with clay is the most relaxing though)
- Tend to or just stare at the fish tank
- Avoid the petty things that stress me out such as an argument (end the argument right away by saying that you can't deal with it right now and you'll talk about it again once you've calmed down)

For Panic Attacks what I do:
- Focus on something, anything be it a piece of gum on a shelf or dig into my purse to look at something
- Rub a key chain or piece of jewelry with my thumb (those "Worry Stones" would be great but it's hard to always make sure you bring it)
- Remind myself that I've never passed out and chant that I will be ok
- If someone is with me like my boyfriend, I tell him that I'm having one
- If its too severe, compose myself and walk out of the store or where ever its happened and come back when I'm feeling better (I try not to do this often because I feel like I'm letting the attacks control what I do), if it happens while driving, its best to pull over if you can but if you can't (say stuck in traffic) I use the focus method and the rubbing an object method or sing along to the music on the radio
- Last if nothing else works is to take one of the Klonopin I have to help me relax
 
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I have a stressful job, and when I get home, I close the curtains so it's pitch black, total silence, lie down on the bed, just for an hour, deep breathe, and erase the day.
This is the only thing that helps me to unwind and empty my head, and gets rid of tension headaches.
Tomorrow is another day (ha ha, when it all starts again!)
 
Thanks, those are some great suggestions. I will definitely look into the aromatherapy and I like the idea of how you make a transition time between work and being home, Joan. Lydia's got my favorite one but unfortunately I'm having a bit of a hiatus in that department...
 
Lydia
I don't know wot you mean!!??!!
can you be a bit more specific?
lol
 
i find that yoga is the one thing that hasd helped me the most! i spent 4 mos in india doing a teacher training and was the best i had been in years. everyone with ibd should do yoga!
 
Definitely try meditation. I find stress builds over a period whether it is caused by work or whatever.

I you meditate or do breathing excercises every day for even 20 minutes it resets the clock on that build and helps you look at the world in a more relaxed manner.

Tai Chi and Yoga are good as well although when I was bad abdominal stretching was a no-no.

And Sex.
 
I really enjoy exercise with friends, it's a good way to socialise and keep active at the same time. I've been cheerleading almost 4 years now so that is my main thing. I just also like to appreciate small things during the day to keep my spirits up, a nice phone call/email, going for a walk, taking time to relax for myself etc.

I do also go to therapy, but if I'm honest that's not totally in relation to the Crohn's, however it does really help anyway just having someone to listen. Doesn't always necessarily have to be a professional, a friend or family member is as good as anyone else. I like knowing I'm not alone in having bad days and better days and it helps to talk that out.
 
I would also suggest mindfulness, I have been practicing for 6 months now and I can tell it's made a difference.

I also go for auricular acupuncture (they stick needles in your ear), and while I don't think it has a direct effect on Crohn's symptoms, it is relaxing and pretty much ensures I will sit still and listen to soothing music for 45 mins - 1 hour. :)
 
Thanks! These are great. I am going to try a yoga class. I took a one time intro to mindfulness and while the concept of it seems right to me, actually doing it felt contrived. (The instructor had us meditate on a raisin...)
 
Big thumbs up for mindfulness and deep breathing! Consider checking in with yourself every so often during the day, and see how you're breathing. Shallow breaths are not very compatible with relaxation, but concentrating on getting nice big belly breathing can be a huge help. Speaking of the belly, belly laughter is really healing, too (http://www.ualberta.ca/~publicas/folio/44/14/07.html).
 
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The best thing for me is humour. Be around people who make you laugh. If that fails, I read and eat a couple of Fab ice-lollies (bit sugary I know...).
Gail
 
Hedgehog said:
The best thing for me is humour. Be around people who make you laugh. If that fails, I read and eat a couple of Fab ice-lollies (bit sugary I know...).
Gail
Click to expand...

:lol: @ Gail

Me too! Yummy

xx
 

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