There’s one important tip we’ve gotten from people living with ulcerative colitis (UC) and the doctors who treat them—one of the best things you can do to feel better is to take an active role in managing your UC.
One way to play an active role is to keep a diary or calendar to better understand your UC. With a simple diary or daily log you can:
- Record your ulcerative colitis symptoms and trends and those things that trigger your symptoms
- Track the medications you are taking
- List the foods in your diet, including those that make symptoms worse or better
- Gauge the level of stress in your life
By looking carefully at the information you record and sharing it with your doctor and others, you may be able to find ways to better manage your symptoms in the future.
Stress and ulcerative colitis
Some studies in animals and humans suggest that physical or emotional stress may lead to flare-ups of UC symptoms.
The list of things that create stress for you might be shorter than you think. Once you know your “hot buttons,” talk to others, including your doctor, about how to keep those stress triggers under control.
Support groups and online communities can provide a comfortable place for you to work through your concerns and to learn how others are coping with UC. Other healthy ways of dealing with stress include exercise, yoga, massage, and other relaxation techniques. The more open-minded you are, the more tools you will have to stay calm under pressure.
Find out where you can exchange tips and strategies on diet, relationships, and other aspects of everyday living with UC. Get more connected.
