Being away at college for the first time can be an exciting experience. However, it can also be a scary one. For people with Crohn’s Disease, it can often be the latter. Despite research claiming that there is no direct evidence demonstrating that stress causes Crohn’s Disease, sometimes people with Crohn’s disease experience an increase in stress in their lives from having to live with the chronic illness. You will even find those who claim that stress can worsen the symptoms of it. If you or someone you know finds that this connection is a concrete or even a reoccurring one, there is good news. There are a few simple steps that you can do to try and reduce the stress, which ultimately might (but not definitely) reduce the symptomatic flare-ups which may be associated with increased stress. One popular method is to use relaxation techniques, such as slow breathing. This can be as simple as sitting comfortably or lying down alone in a quiet room or pleasant environment, free of distractions, and closing your eyes. Pick a certain number to count to in your head, say, for example, 30. Breathe in slowly through your nose, pause for a second or so, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Allow thoughts to enter your mind if they do, and then just dismiss them and focus on your breathing. For those people who would like more formal relaxation techniques, try checking out any meditation classes which may be given through your physical education department right at college. If none are available, do some searches on the internet for some other breathing techniques. Don’t be afraid to switch them up every so often.

Another important thing to remember when dealing with stress is to be very careful of your diet and remember to eat well. Since individuals who have Crohn’s disease many times experience a decreased appetite, which may directly inhibit their ability to get daily nutrition needed for good health and healing, they must ensure that they are meeting their required caloric and nutrient goals. It may help to discuss this with a doctor if it is a concern of yours or you notice a change in your eating habits. You can even check with your doctor to see if he or she would recommend you taking any vitamin and/or mineral supplements, but only do so if they think you need it. This may become an option since Crohn’s disease is associated with diarrhea and poor absorption of necessary nutrients. Only your doctor can make a proper diagnosis.

Lastly, make sure to get enough sleep. This may not only help you feel better, but proper sleep is essential for not only the body, but also the mind. Getting enough sleep will help you feel more energized and may help reduce some of your stress. Combining all the tips within this article is a great way for people with Crohn’s Disease to take measures to reduce stress in their lives, whether they are in college, grade school, work, or even away on vacation.