4. Practice Relaxation Techniques
While some experts believe that extreme stress may trigger Crohn’s disease in certain vulnerable people, it’s not considered a proven cause. Stress is known to aggravate the illness, however.
Stress can worsen gut inflammation and disrupt the balance of bacteria in the microbiome, and the hormones involved in the stress response can further increase the inflammation in your gut, leading to worse symptoms more often. Try slow breathing, yoga, tai chi, meditation, or something else you find relaxing to reduce the impact of stress on your body.
Do what works for you, says John Nesco, who was diagnosed at age 15 and was a volunteer group facilitator and member of the Connecticut board of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. It could just be reading a book in a quiet place, listening to your favorite music, or spending time with friends and family. “The important thing is that it’s something you consistently want to do and that you get relaxation from it,” he says.
Doing activities that incorporate mindfulness — meditation, yoga, tai chi, breath work — can bring feelings of happiness, peace, and joy, according to research. And the activity doesn’t have to be a traditional mindfulness practice. Anything that gets you focused on being in the present, like sketching a still life, knitting, or even everyday tasks like folding laundry, can get you out of your head and into the direct experience of living in the moment.
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