Practice mindfulness
Deep breath in, deep breath out … Prioritize mindful breathing throughout the day, and your IBS will thank you. The brain and gut are closely connected—so when you’re freaking out because you ran out of toilet paper, remember that your thoughts and emotions can trigger or even worsen IBS symptoms. No one can avoid stress entirely, but adopting activities that encourage mindfulness such as meditation can decrease stress-related flare-ups. The best part is that you can practice mindfulness anywhere—in the car, the park, the kitchen … and, of course, the bathroom.