Stress & IC Flares

via www.doclind.com 

Ah, stress and IC flares.  They go together like peas and carrots, like peanut butter and jelly. Stress is basically IC's arch-nemesis, and eliminating it is a HUGE factor in combating your IC flares.  Though stress does not necessarily cause IC, most people have worse IC symptoms when they are worried, anxious or nervous. You can do everything else right, but if you are still under stress, I guarantee that your symptoms will persist.

Here is an important expert from Along the Healing Path, Catherine Simone's book about how she healed from IC.

"You might want to sit down with yourself and or/your loved ones and determine what is draining your energy; what exactly is stressing you, both emotionally and physically.  You might need to make some tough decisions about how to eliminate these things to the best of your ability, even if only temporarily while you are healing. Once you are well, you will be able to handle more stress than you can right now.  Stress, right now, is only going to make you worse and make it harder for you to heal. 

The thing is, most of the time, we have trouble realizing that we can control any of it.  Asking for help in eliminating stress, as well as providing that comfort to yourself are two very difficult things for people to do.  But know this for certain.  If you are intending to heal from IC and all of it's related symptoms/illnesses, eliminating stress in your life, eliminating toxic relationships and people who are not supportive of you or who may, intentionally or unintentionally, be emotionally or verbally abusive to you is very important.  In fact, it is my opinion that these things are crucial. It will be very difficult for you to heal in an environment that is completely unsupportive of you loving yourself and taking care of yourself."  

So, how do we eliminate stress? Some easy tips include:

• Take time each day to do something you love - i.e. read a book, listen to music, curl up on the couch and watch movies, take a walk, chat with someone supportive and caring
• Admit if your burden is too much.  This is no time to pretend to be superwoman. Speak to your boss/teacher/family/friends if you need help managing your responsibilities while you are sick. 
• Exercise! For me, yoga has been a lifesaver. Get your body moving each week in a way that doesn't cause a flare.  You will feel happier and healthier!
• Say goodbye to negative-nancies and debbie-downers. There is no place for those who bring you down while you are trying to heal.
• Meditate. Give your mind a chance to slow down, and give yourself a break from your constant thinking and/or worrying. Light a candle and sit in peace.
• Take a warm bath/shower. One of my favorite ways to unwind.
• Get adequate sleep. I know that this can be difficult during flare-ups, but adequate sleep is crucial for handling stress and promoting healing.  I will be writing about some sleeping tips very soon!

These may seem obvious, but most of us know that eliminating stress is easier said than done.  Make it a priority to destress this week by giving yourself some "me" time.  I guarantee you will feel better.

Happy healing!