Distract Yourself

Distract Yourself

Photo Credit: Jacob Ammentorp Lund / istockphoto.com

Distract Yourself

There’s a powerful connection between the mind and body, so just as emotional stress can make your IBS worse, putting your mind to another task can soften your symptoms and reduce your perception of the pain.

You may not want to stray too far from the bathroom when your digestive system isn’t cooperating, but there’s plenty you can do around the house to keep your mind off your IBS. Yoga is a great hobby to take up: you’ll reduce your stress, relax your muscles, and concentrate on a simple, soothing set of movements all at once. There are so many different styles of yoga to practice, so try one that appeals to your exercise personality and flexibility.

Once you get through an IBS flare, it’s natural to worry that another might be on the horizon. You may be anxious just thinking about the possibility — and that alone can be enough to bring on an attack.

Instead of letting your worries overcome you, focus on staying calm and noticing the early warning signs, practicing your deep breathing and relaxation exercises to bring the situation under control.

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