Stress isn't good for anyone, but it is especially bad for IBD sufferers. Although stress doesn't cause Crohn's disease, it can heighten symptoms and can even trigger a flare-up. When you're stressed, your normal digestive process changes. Your stomach empties slower and secretes more acid, and stress can either speed or slow the passage of intestinal contents. In worse cases, dress can even affect the intestinal tissue resulting in ulcers. Although it's not always possible to avoid stress, you can learn ways to help manage it. I get stressed very easily and am always trying new things to combat it. I wanted to share my tips and what I do to reduce my stress levels!
Hot Yoga
I have always enjoyed yoga, and have practised from a young age but didn't go regularly. When I got diagnosed with Crohn's and was educated on stress being a trigger, I thought it would be a good idea to go back to it. I found a really nice hot yoga class in Leigh on Sea and started going with my sister on a Sunday morning. It was lovely as we would go yoga then go for brunch to a cute seaside cafe. I thought hot yoga would be really hard and uncomfortable but that wasn't the case. The heat of the room makes the muscles in your body relax more so you can go deeper and easier into the poses, and the best bit of relaxation at the end! Lying on your back with an empty mind focusing just on your breathing. I previously hadn't understood when people spoke about 'working with your breath' and 'listening to your body' but after going to yoga classes, I'm now getting the jist of it. The classes teach you to accept any thoughts but understand you can't do anything about it right now and letting it pass, then continue just focusing on you. It's great for mindfulness and I definitely find it helpful for my stress. It would be great to start every day with a yoga class! Leigh is quite far for me to go every day, so recently I found a new class local to me called Hot Pod Yoga and what is great about this class is that they pop up at various locations all around. So I'm able to go to a few classes during the week too! They have a great introductory offer also - £14 for 14 days as many classes as you want. I would strongly recommend this for a stress buster!
Massage
One of my IBD nurses told me I should book in for a massage once every month as a good way to totally relax my body. As stress is bad for sufferers, a massage is a great way to unwind, de toxify and relax. My favourite massages are back massages and I love the feeling of just melting into the bed and totally relaxing. I enjoy massages as well as I feel they clear my mind and I'm just focusing on enjoying the treatment. I recently went to a new salon in Billericay for a facial and massage and it was amazing! For starters the salon was decorated so nicely which I think adds to the whole experience of making it a nice enjoyable treatment. The salon uses all Neal's Yard organic products which smell lovely so even for hours after the treatment I could still smell the relaxing scents. I had my treatment in the evening after work so it was the perfect way to unwind and I left the salon feeling ready to go to bed and get a restful nights sleep. Thank you to Beauty at Retreat
As well as massages, I do love a spa day. I think spending the day by a pool in a fluffy white robe is simply dreamy! And what better way to relax. One of my favourite pastimes is looking up spa deals. If only they weren't so expensive, I could go every weekend!
Holidays
Oh I do love a holiday! I'm always looking forward to the next one and I really do think that's what gets me through the year. I use my holiday allowance very wisely and make sure I have time off booked evenly throughout the year, that way you will always have something to look forward to! Being on holiday always makes me happy, you're away from all home and work stresses and have the chance to totally switch off. Holidays don't even have to be abroad, I even like going away for the weekend to somewhere new and exploring. Just getting away from life can be so refreshing and I love being in my little holiday bubble. My all-time favourite holiday destination is Barbados. I could never be unhappy there! Everyone is so smiley, friendly and relaxed as if they don't have a care in the world. If I lived there I wouldn't have a care in the world either with all of the stunning surroundings. Barbados is also good for me because they speak English, so I can easily explain dietary requirements. Although it doesn't seem like a big deal, it really is important for IBD sufferers and something that could cause a lot of anxiety. Also, as it is close to America, they are hot on the gluten free products so that is really useful too. Only 7 and a bit weeks till I'm back in my happy place!
Exercise
Exercise for me is a major stress buster. I love getting a sweat on and letting all of my stresses and anxiety leave my body. My favourite exercise to do in the gym is sprints as I can get on the treadmill and just go for it! It is not a pretty sight, but makes me feel so good. I also am a big fan of spin classes and when there is good music playing I feel like I could go all day. My favourite spin class I have ever done was Soul Cycle in San Fransisco earlier this year. The instructor had Beyonce remix's blaring out of the surround sound speakers in a dark room with flash lights and it was kind of like being in a night club but sweating on bikes! I enjoyed it so much I really want them to come over to the UK! When I'm not up to high impact exercise - which can be quite often thanks to my Crohns! - I really enjoy a long dog walk. I have two dogs at home and one is a naughty little puppy that needs to be walked to get rid of her excess energy! So I really enjoy a long dog walk around a country park, then tired cuddles on the sofa with a cup of tea. Oh tea! .. Tea makes everything better, so of course I love a cuppa when I'm feeling stressed.
Everyone has their own ways of coping with stress and it is really important to do what works for you. Stress is like the wind - you can't see it, but it does a lot of damage!
XOXO Crohnie Girl
Exercise for me is a major stress buster. I love getting a sweat on and letting all of my stresses and anxiety leave my body. My favourite exercise to do in the gym is sprints as I can get on the treadmill and just go for it! It is not a pretty sight, but makes me feel so good. I also am a big fan of spin classes and when there is good music playing I feel like I could go all day. My favourite spin class I have ever done was Soul Cycle in San Fransisco earlier this year. The instructor had Beyonce remix's blaring out of the surround sound speakers in a dark room with flash lights and it was kind of like being in a night club but sweating on bikes! I enjoyed it so much I really want them to come over to the UK! When I'm not up to high impact exercise - which can be quite often thanks to my Crohns! - I really enjoy a long dog walk. I have two dogs at home and one is a naughty little puppy that needs to be walked to get rid of her excess energy! So I really enjoy a long dog walk around a country park, then tired cuddles on the sofa with a cup of tea. Oh tea! .. Tea makes everything better, so of course I love a cuppa when I'm feeling stressed.
Everyone has their own ways of coping with stress and it is really important to do what works for you. Stress is like the wind - you can't see it, but it does a lot of damage!
XOXO Crohnie Girl
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