I'm curious...
#82791 - 06/24/04 10:35 AM
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Kristine
Reged: 05/15/03
Posts: 229
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
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What are your methods for de-stressing when things get really hard to handle? What's your favorite way of pampering yourself when your IBS flares up? And for those of us who are working, what are the private ways you cope when all you want to do is go home and crawl under the covers until the pain goes away?
Kristine
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I am a little over half way through the hypno program and have found it to be a great "destresser". Plus I have two golden retreivers, too that I can hug and play with when I get home. Hubby is a great support and offers to go on walks, etc. When I am at work and just want to go home...I think of being on the mountain, or visuallize being home. Or listen to my portable CD player to my favorite music. Right now a big destresser for me that takes my mind off of everything is painting the outside of our house. I'm actually enjoying it. I'm almost done.
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Quote:
What are your methods for de-stressing when things get really hard to handle?
i hate taking walks, but it destresses me anyway. i always loathe the idea of it and it takes forever to talk myself into it, but i'm always glad i did- even if it's a shortie.
a "bad" answer--- i blow off steam by having a few drinks on Friday nights. (and kissing cute bartenders) i know, in know, you're never supposed to admit that- but it's true.
i also knit- that is a big calmer-downer.
sometimes i go hang out with my Beloved Niece (she's 2). that helps a lot, but i won't do it if i'm grouchy--- don't want her to be around a grouchy Jen-Jen. 
Quote:
What's your favorite way of pampering yourself when your IBS flares up?
HOT WATER BOTTLE. that and a good magazine.
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And for those of us who are working, what are the private ways you cope when all you want to do is go home and crawl under the covers until the pain goes away?
my heating pad, these boards, and strong cup of tea. then i just watch the clock! 
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When my IBS is flaring up, my usual way of coping is to lay in bed with the heating pad - we have a big pad, so it stretches from my chest to mid-thigh, heh. Then I fire up my ancient laptop, so I have something to entertain myself (I usually play games on Yahoo), and stay there with my cups of peppermint tea till I feel better.
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No kidding, Kristine! When I'm really feeling horrible, there's nothing better than curling up in bed with a good book and a cuppa Camomile.
Stress is such a killer. And, in my case, I discovered it had everything to do with stressing about stressing. When I got rid of all the stressors in my life (my job, my expensive home, finances -- everything), and moved up here from a different state, the stress was every bit as bad, if not worse. It was then that I realized I bring on the stress myself. It's the anxiety about having an attack and being stuck somewhere away from home.
The "fix" for me was Michael. He's phenomenal. Check out the hypno board.
At work, it's a different story. You have to wait 'till you get home before you can plug Michael in. But when I was working and something stressful happened, I got out and took a walk, went to the Post Office, bank, even a restaurant -- just GET OUT, get yourself into a different environment, "away from it all."
Just remember, try to pinpoint the origins of the stress. Is it really about finances? Or is it anxiety about having an attack?
Bev
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Ways of coping with stress - talking about things with my husband - he is the most important support system in my world! Also, doing things with the 10 year old girl that I mentor. She's fun and her situation helps me put my own life in perspective - since she has five brothers and sisters and lives in the worst part of DC with a mom that could really care less about what happens to her! I also do martial arts - good exercise and good stress relief.
Favorite way of pampering - long baths, pleasure reading, doing my nails and snuggling with hubby watching TV.
secret pleasures at work - logging on to the boards when there's no one else in my office!
Min
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Bev, I know exactly what you mean about stress. My problem is that I tend to get myself upset and stressed out about things I really shouldn't even be worrying myself with, things I have no control over (it's genetic--but that's a whole other story!) And when my stomach is in knots, forget it. I'm out of commission. I'm trying to teach myself to "chill out" more, but it's not easy when you were brought up in that kind of environment--early conditioning, I suppose. But I'm working on it.
My favorite thing to do is cuddle up with my dog (a 55-lb lab that thinks he's a lab dog!  ) with my three favorite things: a cup of tea, heating pad and a good book. Life just doesn't get any better than that.
Nugget, aren't dogs great? They're so much fun, and they always listen to us whine and complain!
At work, it's a bit harder, but I always have my tea on hand.
And of course my weekly yoga class has been a lifesaver for me. When I leave my class, I feel like a TOTALLY different person. I feel good when I do my yoga at home, but there's something about physically getting out to a class that makes a huge difference.
Kristine
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Hi Everyone,
I am new to this site. I have been dealing with IBS for as long as I can remember. I never really recived an accurate diagnosis,when I was in high school I went through some horrific tests only to be told that there was nothing wrong with me.
Anyway, long walks help me to destress. I am a teacher so when I get sick at work it's pretty rough. It's a big fear of mine, since there is really no one there to cover for me if I have to leave in the middle of the day. Luckily, it doesn't happen that often. Most of the time I could control it by not eating lunch until the end of the day. (Probably not the best thing to do but it works for me) Someone mentioned a heating pad. I just went out and bought one... has anyone had much success with that?
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Hi, Cathie and WELCOME!!! I'm so glad you found us, but of course sorry you share this darn disease with us.
I found to my amazement after seeing so many people here recommend it that the heating pad on the tummy really does help the pain! There's also these new heat wraps that you can wear under your clothes. They have SAVED me more than once. You could keep one in your purse and if you didn't feel well during the day, just go to the teacher's lounge and put it on!
 
The best thing though is the diet and a soluble fiber supplement. You'll swear you've gone to heaven, you'll feel so much better. Go on over to the Diet board and introduce yourself there, too, okay??!!
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Laura
Keep it simple!
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HI Laura Sue,
Thank you so much for your response and suggestions. I will take a peek at the diet and start on the fiber supplements on a regular basis. Typically, I only use them when needed but I am beginning to understand the importance of keeping things stable on a more regular basis. It's so interesting because a lot of the things that I have been doing are actually counterproductive in the long run. I am so glad I found this message board. It has been very helpful so far. Thanks again for your kindness. Oh... and the portable heating wrap is a great idea! Thanks again.
Cathie
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