Understanding Mind Body Connection and Interstitial Cystitis
The pain, discomfort, and embarrassment associated with interstitial cystitis can make life seemingly unbearable. A major source of frustration is the fact that there is no known cure for interstitial cystitis. This frustration is then compounded by the fact that not every treatment works for every person, so what might work for someone else may not work for you. For some people, the situation may appear to be hopeless.
What if there were a few simple things you could do to alleviate your symptoms and suffering? Understanding the mind body connection is a powerful tool that you can use in order to deal with your interstitial cystitis. A little research on your part can bring you incredible relief and piece of mind.
Studies have shown that stress can increase the severity of symptoms in people with interstitial cystitis. Eliminating stress, however, is easier sad than done. Because of your interstitial cystitis, you may be having problems at work. This can be stressful enough, but most people also have problems doing the simple, everyday tasks that they used to take responsibility for at home. You may need to rely on others more than you like in order to reduce the amount of stress you experience. Once you let go and allow someone else to take care of a few things around the house, your stress level will drop significantly.
Exercise will also help you cope with your interstitial cystitis. People who exercise tend to be happier, healthier, and have a more positive attitude in general. While exercising can be very difficult when you are experiencing pain, it is worth the extra effort. Of course, the exercise should not be strenuous exercise. A simple walk every day is the perfect exercise. The time spent outside will do wonders for your spirit, as well as your body. If getting out has been difficult in the past, you will experience a true feeling of accomplishment. Also, the endorphins released in your body as a result of exercise will help reduce any pain you may be experiencing.
Meditation is another recommended method for people who suffer from interstitial cystitis. This does not need to be anything formal. You can just take ten or twenty minutes every day to sit quietly. As you are sitting, do not concentrate on your pain or discomfort. Instead, just concentrate on your breathing. Studies have found that people who meditate complain less often about experiencing pain. For many people, it is also a welcome relief to have time designated every day to not think about pain or discomfort.
There are many other ways you can use the mind body connection in order to relieve the pain and symptoms of interstitial cystitis. Once you find the tools that work best for you, you fill find that your pain and discomfort will be significantly reduced, allowing you to lead a more normal and productive life.