Managing Stress
In 2001 I fell ill unexpectedly, I was being sick all the time had chronic diarroea and cramps. I lost my appetite and I lost a lot of weight as a result. Over a period of five months I went through many tests, which I won’t go into detail about but which were very unpleasant. Eventually after going from a size 12 to a size 6/8 I was finally diagnosed with crohns disease. Crohns is a chronic bowel disorder, the doctor explained it to me like this;
Your body thinks your bowel is a foreign object and your immune system is attacking it
For me this means bouts of the above symptoms. Over time I have come to notice how much stress brings on these bouts and so now my motto is “Keep Calm and Carry On”. You may have seen the posters, I have one hanging on my wall as a reminder that no amount of stress or worry will rectify a situation and for me it can (and often does) result in a serious bout of illness.
I can admit that I used to be a terrible worrier and didn’t deal with stress at all well, over the eight years of managing the crohns I have become much better at managing stress. Here are some of the things I do;
Tips for managing and eradicating stress
1. There are very few things that are worth making yourself ill over (stress can make anyone ill) so just let it go.
2. Put the problem into perspective, is it life altering? If not it’s probably not something you need to stress about.
3. Improve your communication with your partner, the more they understand what stresses you the more you can work together to eradicate the stress (this works both ways).
4. Get your finances in order, one of the biggest things in life to stress about is money. Save more, spend less, earn more, automate everything, just do whatever you need to do to eradicate the thing that causes stress.
5. Don’t endlessly worry what other people are thinking about you, I once read somewhere that they’re probably to busy living their life to be to spend time worrying about you.
6. Deal with your past. Have counseling, make amends, whatever it is let it go.
7. Have a cry, it’s a great stress reliever. I’m not ashamed to admit that I cry quite a bit!
8. Be thankful for what you have. Don’t spend your life stressing about how you’ll purchase the next gadget, car, house or whatever.
9. Change your work situation if its causing you stress. I’ve had to do this several times since getting crohns, it’s not easy but it’s better to do it than suffer.
10. If all else fails eat chocolate, and for god sake never worry about being fat (unless your health is at risk). I’ve been a bag of bones and it makes you no happier than being a bit more curvy. And that’s a fact!
Add your own tips…2010 could be our least stressed out year yet 
I've been blogging for four years and write about anything and everything that takes my fancy.
Above is me with my beloved Ernie in Port Aventura and left with our love child in Florida.
Themocracy
Brilliant advice Erica. I’m a stresser (you never guessed right?) but having got to breaking point I had to sort myself out and counseling was brilliant for dealing with the past, and for giving me techniques to deal with stress now. You’re right, if it’s not a life changer then let it go. The key is learning what causes your stress, and, what it is that helps you personally to calm down. Chocolate, a hot bath, reading, an early night or a chat with a mate generally get me back on track. Though actually, too much chocolate effects my pmdd and makes me worse so diet can be an aspect of stress too – not going on one, but just eating well.
I find that often what I perceive as stress/feeling depressed is actually tiredness. I don’t think we get enough sleep, generally.
I’m a stresser and as a result now have an inflamed tendon in my shoulder from tensing up – really is a sign that I need to deal better with things so this is a great list !
I have suffered from stress and depression in the past. I have to agree with the sleep. I NEED my sleep, wothout it I am just terrible, to the point that my doctor told DH I had to have more sleep.
I had CBT and it was great it has transformed the way I think and deal with things.
I often find writing things down helps too.
I think it’s all been said really. I would stress (pardon the expression) of the importance of a healthy balanced diet, vitamins supplements, early nights, taking to friends if you don’t have a partner (or the stress is about your partner) and taking any practical steps that can be used to deal with a sressful situation. Therapy is brilliant but there are long waiting lists on the NHS. There are some good books about stress on the market which can help sufferers understand the issue. I keep a diary and write down any stresses, that helps alot. And I vow by Bachs Rescue Remedy too.
Fresh air! I know it sounds a bit like something your grandma would say but it is so true. I always feel better after a brisk walk somewhere beautiful. Taking yourself away from hustle and bustle, having a change of scene and just letting yourself just be for an hour while you take in your surroundings is about the best stress reliever I know
What a great post, Erica, thanks for your tips and great tips from other readers too. Much as I loathe exercise, I would agree with fresh air and, being a bit OCD, I find cleaning cupboards quite soothing! Recognising you are getting stressed is the key though. Hope you’re feeling better x
These are great points. I used to suffer from constant low-grade stress and all of these things would have helped me.
Point number 2 is especially true: since my son became so very ill, I am (rather ironically) so much less stressed – his illness really has put our lives into perspective!
Excellent advice, Erica. I suffer from IBS and I agree that stress is a “killer” but tiredness as well. I suggest, eating well (fruits and vegs above all), go walking or swimming (I don’t like gyms, they stress me even more!) and relax with your friends and family as much as you can. Take care. Ciao. A.
What great tips, Erica. I have to say I always admire your positivity – now I know it’s because you manage stress so well. I’d kill to be that sorted! xx