Furiously Bri

One of the hardest things I’ve had to adapt to in the last couple of years is the diagnosis of IBS. I always end up in pain and seemingly more susceptible to infections, but only in my peak stress times. For the last year, I was doing fairly well and was on a regular diet, not needing to go low FODMAP or change many habits. However, once November hit, it’s been a lot of stress. I was getting adjusted into a new job, the election came with abysmal results, and I was pursuing a lot of projects with my local community. I am still doing a lot of side projects on top of work and trying to keep up with my exercise and mental health to keep my mind and body connected and regulated, but balance is hard when the world just sort of keeps hitting.

Here’s what I’ve been doing to keep myself sane and regulated the best I can regarding IBS:

• Finding “Normal” Low FODMAP Recipes – Personally, there are way too many “gut health gurus” trying to get you to heal your gut and detox your body that it can feel intimidating to change how you eat. So, I simply ignore that sort of content and find recipes on Google that I know I would enjoy and can tweak while not harming my digestive system. I will be posting a blog soon revolving some recipes and brands I’ve been enjoying and brings some normalcy back to my life.
• Limiting My Caffeine Intake – I used to drink at least two forms of caffeine daily to maintain energy throughout my day, but I can proudly say that I have knocked it down to one source of caffeine a day – a coffee in the morning, or a Liquid Death with my lunch. No more, no less. And I can function fairly well through out the day! I mostly drink water and some chocolate Lactaid in the morning now.
• Finding Ways to Exercise More – Admittedly, I’m slacking in this department lately, but I will be using my walking pad when I’m home and attempting to go to the gym more! I even came up with a goal to keep it interesting and feel like a program to follow. I will likely add a channel to my discord for exercise accountability so that maybe we can build a healthy habits mini community there as well that will motivate me to keep going strong!
• Journaling – Again, this has been slacked on a little bit, but I intend to get back into it now because I know the stress lessens a little bit when I say what’s on my mind, and not everything that’s on my mind is meant for here or Instagram. Haha!
• 5 Things I’m Grateful For – This is a series I’ve been doing on and off for a year, and it really helps me keep perspective on the little things in life that still make it worth living. Sometimes it’s as simple as being with my husband, and sometimes it’s as big as some really good, life changing news. Either way, staying grateful brings hope!

I think even if people don’t have IBS, this list could be helpful for those that at least struggle with other mental health problems and need some ideas that genuinely help. This is coming from someone who has not been on any medication for mental health for two years and have had to make it work (and I promise you it hasn’t been easy). These methods really are helpful even when it feels redundant and useless because it’s the first things doctors a lot of the time before suggesting medication and/or therapy. I know, I’ve been there.

How do you cope with your mental health and/or IBS? I’d love to see other methods of self-care and healthy habits!