Stress and anxiety can trigger attacks of IBS and make the symptoms worse, so it goes without saying that reducing the levels of stress and anxiety in your life will go a long way towards helping your condition.
You should aim to adopt a more relaxed approach to life. If you rush through your day without taking a breather, your stress levels will be building up and you’ll also probably be eating irregular meals, with disastrous consequences for your digestive system. Try to face everyday problems calmly and one at a time, rather than worrying about the future and getting things out of proportion.
Relaxation exercises can be a great help. If you feel you are becoming too stressed then try some simple breathing techniques. Breathe in slowly and deeply, so that your stomach rather than chest rises. Hold, and then breathe out slowly. Pause, and then repeat six times. You can do this anywhere – at your desk, in your car or sitting on the train.
A good calming exercise is to tense the muscles in your toes and feet, hold to the count of five and then release. Do the same with your calves, then gradually work your way up your body to your face and neck muscles, until all the tension is banished and you feel completely relaxed. If you would like more ideas on relaxation techniques, then most local libraries will have books on massage, relaxation and stress management while some larger libraries also have relaxation tapes and CDs for loan.
Most importantly, don’t forget to take some time out for yourself. If you work, then try to take some time away from your desk every day. Ideally, you should go outside and get some fresh air. At the very least, you should try to get a change of scenery to clear your mind of work-related worries. If this is impossible then try to set aside a quiet ten minutes at the end of your day for yourself; whether it’s for relaxation exercises or simply for a soak in the tub, it will do you, and your IBS, the world of good.
