Skip to Accessibility Menu Skip to Login Skip to Content Skip to Footer
A woman is show in several different stages of activity during her day - riding the train, at a job interview, each scene separated by a bathroom door.

Having IBS Has Taught Me To Allow Extra Time, Always

Jo Coates's avatar image

By Jo Coates

2 min read

My stomach is usually at its most active and vocal in the morning. It’s had time to repair overnight and is raring to go from 6 a.m., ready to start digesting and emptying itself. My body is like clockwork and I know that I’ll need a morning poo before I crack on with my day, whether I need to leave the house or not.

To eliminate the risk of becoming a stressed and rushed mess, I get up earlier than I need to, allowing myself extra time in case I need to lock myself in the loo for 10 minutes or so.

Extra time eases the stress of IBS

Building in extra time for my often-unpredictable bowel habits is my answer to everything and has served me well. It takes away any potential stress, which is good for my anxiety, and means that if I get the overwhelming urge to go, I’m good to go and can try to relax in the process.

By providing your email address, you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

This works particularly well for the nervy poos. You know, the ones where you have a big meeting to go to and can feel the mix of excitement and nerves tingling down your back before the butterflies kick off in your stomach and you have to run to the nearest toilet. I know this is going to happen, my body is becoming predictable, so I make sure I block out that slither of time to do my business.

As a side note, I’ve learned that this happens because your body goes into fight or flight mode, or caveman mode, as I like to call it. Because if you were in a scenario where you came face-to-face with a saber-toothed tiger your body starts pumping blood to the areas that need it most and your gut works hard to eliminate any extra waste and weight, so you can run faster! It makes sense, the body is an amazing thing.

Tips for making extra time

I no longer let it stress me out. Instead, I live by the following rules:

  • If I've got an important meeting or presentation and know the nervy poos will strike, I block out a 10-minute period before I need to leave to allow for it.
  • If I'm catching the train somewhere and feel anxious about the journey, I build-in 10 minutes on each side, so I can complete my journey. I have allotted some time to use the toilet should I need to.
  • When I'm excited about a big family shindig which has given me the butterflies, I wake up a little earlier than normal so I don’t have to rush to get ready.

My basic equation for living with IBS and frequently experiencing the nervy poos is to add 10 minutes to EVERY SINGLE THING. It works for me. Do you allow extra time for your bowels?

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The IrritableBowelSyndrome.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.