Escaping from the stress and strain of living with endometriosis can have a positive influence on your health and wellbeing. Learning what your individual needs are in order to manage is essential. We each have different ways to cope - it is important to find yours.

Sometimes you may need to take some time out for yourself. Whether it is listening to music, reading or walking along the beach, taking time out for yourself to relax is important in getting through each day.

Positive thinking

Keeping a positive frame of mind is especially important in coping with endometriosis.  Practise pushing away negative thoughts and replacing them with positive thoughts - and enjoy the relaxing effect.

For example, when you have negative thoughts, e.g. ‘my surgery probably won't work anyway', try and catch yourself thinking in this unhelpful way and challenge yourself to consider other possible (and/or positive) alternatives. For example, ‘this surgery may improve my quality of life'. At other times it may be more helpful just to accept that there will be hard times and negative thoughts. Remind yourself that these are negative thoughts and they are not always ‘truths'.

Physical activity

Physical activity decreases muscle tension and improves concentration, mood and self esteem. Walking is a simple and effective way of gradually increasing your level of physical activity and can also be an effective way to wind down at the end of the day.

Massage

This can be a simple hand or neck massage by a partner or friend or maybe you could indulge yourself occasionally or regularly with a body massage from a professional masseur.

Laughter

Laughter produces endorphins in the body which help you to relax and feel good about yourself.  Bring laughter into your life by being with friends who have a good sense of humour, or simply by watching a funny TV show or movie.

Meditation

Mediation requires practice. 

• Sit comfortably in a quiet environment. 
• Breathe deeply and close your eyes 
• Focus on a word, chant or image. When other thoughts enter your mind just notice them and keep returning your attention to your breathing
• 15 to 20 minutes daily promotes an inner calmness 
• Consider attending meditation classes

Relaxation exercises

These exercises include tensing and then relaxing each muscle in turn, from your toes to your head. If you have any injuries, consult your doctor before trying these exercises.

• Sit down in a comfortable chair or better still lie down on your back.
• Think about your toes - concentrate on them, tense them, wiggle them, then relax them.
• Slowly move your mind to your legs - first the left leg, tense and relax and then the right leg, tense and relax.
• Same with each arm - tense and relax.
• Think about your breathing, take some deep breaths then fully exhale and breathe gently and relax.
• Move your mind now to your head and tense up your facial muscles then relax. Clear your mind.

Content Updated June 17, 2008