What lifestyle changes have you made to manage stress?

[ozgal]

Hi everyone

I've just finished reading the chapter in Tex's book on chronic stress and how it can cause MC and other auto immune issues and prevent remission even if medication and a strict diet is adhered to.

I've been in a state of chronic stress for the past 2.5 years and agree this had definitely contributed to my LC.

I'm currently taking budesonide and eating a diet of chicken/rice/bananas but know I need to make some significant lifestyle changes if I want to give myself a chance at long-term remission.

My recent Dx has forced me to stop and evaluate my life.

My current stresses include living in a large city (too many people), working in a high-pressure full time job that gives me no satisfaction whatsoever and a mounting debt from my medical expenses.

My sister-in-law has kindly offered my husband & I to move in with her for the next year at a reduced rent. She lives in a city with half the population of my current city and the people there have a general reputation of being more relaxed and friendly. I could have a much-needed month off and then source a more relaxed/meaningful job (either full time or part time). It would be great to have the company of family around and the reduced overheads would also enable me to put a dent in my debt.

That's one option I'm considering anyhow.

Just this week, I've adopted a "don't sweat the small stuff" attitude that has worked well.

I'm interested in your stories. What lifestyle changes have you had to make since your Dx? What's worked for you, what hasn't?

What activities help you manage your stress levels?

best
Helen

[Blueberry]

Well, I suppose kind of simple to mention, but what has helped me to unwind and feel less stressed out is -

* I make it a point to listen to music, in the evening in particular. For what ever reason that tends to calm me down well.

* I've found when frustrated about a situation I'll write about it, put it to paper.

* Sitting in the sun for a short while tends to make things better. (If taking a sun sensitive medication would want to be careful about doing that.)

* Reading can help take my mind off of a situation.

* I'm kind of laughing about mentioning this one as it is on the fringe, but I started "earthing" recently. This is where one walks barefoot in wet grass, or uses an earthing pad. It is adversed as something about resetting ones electrical body charge. Seemed coocoo to me after I read about it, but gave it a try and placebo effect or not it does seem to brighten me up. I feel less sore in my knees and legs overall.

* When well to the gut, which has been frequently of late, playing a sport or riding my bike unwinds me too.

[tex]

Actually, there have been a number of discussions about "earthing" on this board. Here is an example:

Anyone Interested In "Earthing"?

Tex

[Blueberry]

Nice to see I'm not the only earthing. Bit different, and didn't expect to feel anything from it, but being a tennis hitter with sore knees it's made a noticeable difference. I seem more cheery too but hard to say. Life has been good of late.

I also watched that Mercola video recently where EZ water was brought up. It had a mention on grounding and its possible effect on water in our body. Reminded me of the Novak Djokovic's new book about his diet. Believe he mentions drinking some kind of different water, helping him to recover after long matches.

"The Fourth Phase of Water - What You Don’t Know About Water, and Really Should"

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/artic ... water.aspx

[UkuleleLady]

Hi Helen,
I read a lot of books by Pema Chodron (who I find very soothing), and I *strive* to meditate daily to help with my stress. I usually only have the patience for 12 minutes, but I aim to start doing 12 minutes twice a day - just trying to find the time.

Affirmations are something I do as well. Louise Hay is the affirmation queen and her book Heal Your Body has a number of affirmations that I feel help with my general mood and wellbeing. Most of them are on this website if you don't want to buy the book (scroll down):

http://www.souls-r-we.com/HealingthePhysical.html

Beyond that, I think reducing my stress is going to take a lot of practice, practice, practice for me. I keep telling my friends that I'm "Nanny 2.0", who is not competitive, over-thinking, driven, perfectionistic, etc.... I'm now easy breezy, fun, patient, and kind (to myself).

It's going to take a lot of practice, but I feel this will lead to better things for me all around.

Best wishes,
Nancy

[ozgal]

Blueberry, thanks for your suggestions. It's good to hear you're feeling well too!

I like to spend time in the sun as I find it makes me feel more optimistic and relaxed. I'm hanging out for Spring to arrive here downunder so I can take advantage of it again!

I've heard about the benefits of barefoot running before but I've never heard of earthing until today - thanks for the links Tex! I'm going to my local beach this afternoon to get started. As a kid, I always ran around outside barefoot. Sadly, I don't see many kids doing that these days. I guess it's considered unhygienic or maybe its more interesting playing computer games inside. Here's a link I find amusing: "To all the kids who survived the 1940's, 50's, 60's and 70's" http://pad39a.com/gene/survival.html

Nancy, thanks for your reply. I've just started yoga but have never meditated. When I travelled to Japan 3 years ago, I stayed overnight in a Buddhist temple at Mt Koya (koyasan) which I found fascinating. I was woken to the sound of a gong at 5.30AM and all the guests shuffled their way down a long hallway to attend morning prayers led by Buddhist monks. The incense and chanting and overall setting was incredible! I wish I had stayed there for a week instead of the one night. Have you attended any health/meditation retreats in your area? Some friends of mine have done it and highly recommend it. I must make a point to go this year.

I'm definitely the type of person who loops over problems (no matter how insignificant they may appear) and am a perfectionist so am making a concerted effort to stop worrying so much!

Has anyone tried deep breathing exercises or the Buteyko method? It was originally designed as a treatment for asthma but is purported to be beneficial in preventing hyperventilation etc.

best
Helen

[DebE13]

I am without shoes and toes in the dirt whenever possible. The past few days I've been forcing myself to go outside and work in the garden. I've spent so much time on the couch that I'm starting to get low back pain. I am still tired but it feels wonderful!

At work, I make a conscious effort not to react to certain situations. I remind myself that I choose If something is going to bother me or not. Sometimes this works sometimes not. But you're right, the small stuff needs to be dismissed. There's so much more out there than some of the little things that bog us down. Although repeated small things can add up to a real stressful day if we let it. I work with the public and a big part of my day is dealing with residents who have complaints. It can be frustrating listening to people bitch at me for things I have no control over but it is my job to help them find a resolve if possible. It's truly a state of mind.

[ozgal]

Hi Deb

I'm starting to understand the appeal of earthing!! Just got back from a 30min walk barefoot at my local beach. I walked in the damp sand with the occasional wave lapping at my feet and it felt great despite being the tail-end of Winter. I'm going to incorporate this into my routine.

Yes, I've worked in a lot of customer service roles and realise they're complaining about the system not at you personally. My work is the biggie that I need to focus on for not reacting to stressful situations. Easier said than done but important to manage for my own health and sanity!

best
Helen

[DebE13]

Helen, how true. I used to take everything personally. Now I try to look at it in terms of I am the person that people need to vent to or get some sort of action. Hopefully they will leave happy, often times not. I work in government so I enforce the rules that other people make even if I personally don't agree with them. Now when people leave, I think that I hope they feel better getting whatever their problem is off their chest.

[Blueberry]

That's something I'm looking forward to this winter, heading south and spending time at the beach. I've said to others for awhile that I felt better and more refreshed after walking along the ocean shore. I'm thinking maybe earthing is key reason why. The sunshine and warmth is a plus too!

[Lilja]

Hi,

There are many theories as to why some people develop MC; overly use of antibiotics, bacteria, autoimmune issues etc (or a mixture of these), and also tick bites (Lyme disease or borreliosis). I would not dare to walk or run barefoot outside.

Lilia

[Vanessa]

I own a grounding half sheet and pillow case. I love them and felt I get better recovery time from workouts plus more restful sleep. If its placebo....I don't care. I can tell a difference when I don't use it. I hadn't even thought about it one night as they were in the hamper and wondered why I was so stiff and had a fitful sleep. Could be coincidence. I recommend anyone who has inflammation to look into getting something like this. Especially when you through Iowa winters!