How I Cope During Bad IBS Flare Days
We all have bad days sometimes. That's just part of life. We who have IBS probably have quite a few more than others. We can do everything in our power not to have flares, but sometimes they just creep up on you. For me finding distractions are what helped to get passed those days.
On my worst days, I tend to stay in my bedroom. This is my safe space. I find the most comfortable place to be and camp out there until the flare slows down or goes away. I am very much an introvert, so this is okay for me. I hunker down with my kindle, iPad, and my fur babies. I turn on my favorite comfort show that I have watched a million times and wait it out.
Listening to my body with IBS
It has taken me years to get to this place of just letting it be and letting my body rest. For years I would try and fail to push through it and hide what I felt because I didn't want to bring anyone else down. Now I know if I don't take the time to let my body rest, I will pay for it later, and the flare lasts a lot longer. Sometimes slowing down and just listening to our body can make a huge difference. It really is the little things.
I thought finding things that helped get me through the hard days would be a lot harder than it was. I just gravitated toward what helps me on mental health days. My comfort items, my animals, and a good book or show can make me feel more relaxed. We all know that can help a ton with IBS flares.
Being able to go to my happy place is my saving grace. Sometimes it's music instead of a show or movie. Sometimes I just need sleep. Every flare is different, and our bodies can need other things for each one. I have found slowing down and taking the time to listen to my body is what I have been required to do for a long time. Now that I finally am, I feel better.
Learning what helps on bad IBS days
Since doing this, I have noticed that I don't have as many bad days as close together as I was years ago. I used to have 4-5 bad days a week. I think just by slowing down, my body has slowed down on the flares as well. I have had to remember that just because I had to take a day to let my body rest doesn't mean I am less than someone else who can be on the go nonstop. It really used to take a toll on my emotions.
Slowing down and taking things day by day is hard for my family. But it is just something I must do. I may miss dinners out, family get-togethers, or recitals. As bad as I hate it, it helps me have a more productive life.
Have you found something that helps you get through the bad days?
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