My IBS Team Sheet – Fun and Games (How it helps me manage my IBS)

[MountainHare1]

WHAT! IBS is no fun and games I hear you say!!! Yes as a sufferer myself I hear you, but please bear with me.

My brain

From what I have read and what I understand of my own (which I have had to live with for the past 56 years and counting) is that, whilst I am no doctor or scientist, the brain realises both good and bad chemicals into my body during the course of the day/night whilst I go about my business.

The bad (or should I say the not so helpful ones for IBS sufferers) ones – I am not sure which ones but it could be cortisol and adrenaline, are released into my body when I am fearful of people I don't know or and/or perhaps when I get anxious because I have experienced a new sensation within my body! For me nowadays these chemicals are released very quickly and often too much is released into my body and as a result I often nauseous. Also I know it will affect my IBS in some way, whether be the urge to go the loo or I will experience a weird dream or nightmare at night.

I digress (nausea) – little experiment:

As anyone will testify, experiencing nausea isn't particularly pleasant, although for me I have accepted that I will continue to experience it from time to time. However because I have accepted the situation, I do know that the nausea won't last long and so I don't get anxious or worry about it anymore as I now have a cunning plan…

I now carry with me everywhere I go, a small piece of dark chocolate. I understand that perhaps having a piece of chocolate is probably the last thing you would want if you were feeling sick, but what I do know is that dark chocolate release a chemical called serotonin which increases the feelings of love, which to my mind is a positive thing! I will let you know how I get on with my experiment.

Back to the Fun and Games

I have to confess I have always enjoyed playing games since when I was just a kid.

Throughout my life I have played golf, which on the odd occasion when I play well, I really enjoy and of course it is great exercise! Unfortunately I don't play as much golf now, however three or four years ago I took up snooker, as I briefly played when I was at school and really enjoyed it. As anyone who plays snooker will testify, it requires a lot of skill and patience which I am not sure I have but one thing I do know is that I enjoy it. Playing snooker also helps with my mental health as I play at a local club with other guys around my age. There is a bit of banter, a few laughs and fun to be had. I also enjoy playing (practising) on my own.

At home, I enjoy doing the odd jigsaw as well as playing online games on my computer as well learning how to Chess on my iPhone. In the beginning I wasn't very good, even though I had played a bit as a kid, but after playing Chess against the computer for over a year, I am slowly getting better.

When I get the opportunity, which unfortunately isn't very often, I play cards or a board game with my family which is always a bit of fun and throughly enjoyable!

What games do you enjoy?

Whether you live alone or have a family/partner I would encourage you to play some games and have fun. Yes it is fun playing a game with other people, but as I have mentioned there are plenty of games that you can play on your own.

If you haven't played games for a number of years, try playing a game you used to play when you were a kid and see how you get on. If you didn't enjoy it, don't give up, move on to another game. I promise there will be a game that you will enjoy! Also if you do find a game you like, try and play the game every day! Even if it is for only a few minutes! Be warned some of the online games can be come very addictive but if it helps you taking IBS off your mind, surely it is a good thing!

Back to my brain!

I know that when I do play a game each day, my brain releases a positive happiness hormone (chemical) called Dopamine. I also know that the release of this hormone will help me with managing my IBS in that I get fewer flare ups!

Playing games also helps me to pass the time of day especially on cold winter nights!

Take care!x

[Lupin1587]

Thank you mountainhare1 that was a very uplifting post.The chocolate idea sounds great I may try it myself. Years ago I did keep a packet of Lucozade sport tablets for a lift if feeling weak or stressed . I was suffering anemia at the time and it did help.

I too enjoy jigsaws. They are a mindful activity they say so they do take your mind off your problems.

I like to play online games but usually give up when you get into the harder levels!

Chess intrigues me I have tried to get into it many times over the years ( I am 56 too) perhaps I can find an easy online introduction to it ? I did enjoy the series of the queens gambit all about the chess world.

Reading is my main escapism. My local library call me an avid reader as I'm there most weeks.

Hope you're having a good relaxing weekend with not too many health problems. Take care x

[MountainHare1 in reply to Lupin1587]

Thank you so much for your feedback Lupin. I really appreciate it.

I have a chess App on my phone from chess.com which not only has tutorials into how to play but also you can play against other opponents on line as well as against the computer players who are learners through to masters of the game.

I wouldn’t call myself an avid reader but when l do read, l really enjoy it as it helps me to relax.

Since joining the IBS network recently I am also really enjoying engaging with people like yourself, writing posts and reading other people’s stories.

Have a good weekend too. Take care x

[Luisa22]

If I'm not feeling too shaky and dreadful so I can't focus on anything, I often take the puzzles page of a newspaper to the toilet with me. I am useless at everything....Sudoku, crosswords, useless. But the one silly little puzzle I really like is the one where there is a big grid of letters, and you're given a list of words to find in it, going in any direction. There's always a word left out, and you're meant to find that one. Usually there's a cash prize if you phone in your answer but I know that's just a "random draw" and the line will be a premium charge so I never do.

But there's just something about doing that puzzle that calms my mind and distracts me when on the loo.

[MountainHare1 in reply to Luisa22]

That is really great to hear Luisa! I am so glad to hear that doing a puzzle helps you to feel calmer. Take care x

[Ceasersalad]

Thank you for detailed post. I like to go for walks , plus my job keeps my mind off IBS . Also like to read and do dabble in writing poetry online.

I haven't played a board game in a While, so will definitely do that again. Online games are fun and a good way to keep the brain active.

Stay well

[MountainHare1 in reply to Ceasersalad]

Couldn't agree more with what you are doing to help manage your IBS. Well done.

Best wishes for 2024.

Take care x

[MiRiderGirl]

I love board games and we are currently playing daily the new game I bought us for Christmas (we have another one too, but it has complicated rules - I haven't had the energy to try it yet). I used to play chess with my dad as a teenager (I am nearly 53). I will try it online, I think.

I walk most days (we are still living on our dairy farm in Pembrokeshire - we are moving to the Wye Valley next year) - and I ride my electric bike on fine days.

I love to exercise (I have Fibromyalgia and CFS, so haven't been able to do as much as I would like). Better5 is fantastic - lots of choice.

I keep my mind busy with designing books for Amazon, blogging and learning Procreate.

Ali x

[MountainHare1 in reply to MiRiderGirl]

It is wonderful to hear you story Ali and that you enjoy board games as well as doing exercise on a regular basis.

Best wishes for 2024.

Take care x

[Misspomfrey]

My past times are exercise, walking , cycling, and I get frustrated when the weather is too bad and prevents me doing it. I used to play chess quite well, but 40 years ago 🙄 I do like to sew on my machine and I find this therapeutic, and gardening in summer. Anything I can do outside are my best past times as I think being out in the fresh air, even if it's cold. Anything we can all do that we enjoy will certainly ease our digestive systems. Happy New Year All 🥳

[MountainHare1 in reply to Misspomfrey]

It is wonderful to hear you story and the exercises you take part in.

Best wishes for 2024.

[buggins55]

so great to read all these positive responses it reminds me that it is possible to live with this and still enjoy things, I am an artist and being absorbed in my work is always good, reading this made me consider all the things i enjoy doing (including games and puzzles) and i found there was quite a list which made me feel that yes there is more to life than just the symptoms! please carry on posting

[MountainHare1 in reply to buggins55]

I too am an artist of sorts and totally agree with how absorbing it can be! Also the pleasure get when I sell a painting is amazing!

I will certainly be doing plenty of posts in 2024.

Take care x

[Frasina]

IBS (and in my case, IBD too) is indeed no fun and we all have our moments of despair ranging from days to weeks. My background is A level psychology teaching and so I will agree completely that hormones will certainly contribution to our condition. Most on here will acknowledge the brain/gut connection; you have found ways to help and that is commendable. Keeping the brain active is essential as is exercise of any sort that does not exasperate an individual's condition. Happy New Year and hopefully for all a more settled 2024 in terms of our conditions.

[MountainHare1 in reply to Frasina]

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my post. I really appreciate it. Yes I firmly believe in finding positive ways to improve the management of my IBS.

Best wishes to you for 2024.

[islande]

your gp can prescribe anti sickness pills.

[MountainHare1 in reply to islande]

Thank you so much for your feedback. I really appreciate it and it is something worth considering. Best wishes.