Often when we are confronted with difficult or life changing events it makes us stop and reassess our lives. We may learn that we shouldn’t take our health for granted, or that what we thought was the plan for our life has suddenly taken a detour. Sometimes we discover that the ways we used to use to cope in difficult situations don’t work as well anymore and we need to find new ways of coping, or an outlet for our anger and frustration. In a strange way a diagnosis of an illness like endometriosis can be a positive thing if we use it to understand ourselves more, and live our lives with meaning and purpose. .Learning what your individual needs are and different ways of coping is an important part of this process.

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, de-stress and de-clutter your mind. Often we come back from a walk and feel like the issues that were troubling us before the walk don’t seem so big on our return, or we have a plan of attack ready.

Relaxation exercises

A very simple relaxation exercise for the body and mind is called progressive muscle relaxation. This involves tensing and then relaxing each muscle group in turn, from your toes to your head, or head to your toes. If you have any injuries, consult your doctor before trying these exercises. Sit in a comfortable chair. Think about your breathing; take slow deep breaths in and out.

• Now 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.
• Move up your body and gently pull your stomach muscles in towards your spine and then let go
• Same with each hand - tense and relax, and then draw your elbows in to your side, and let them go.
• Move your mind now to your head and tense up your facial muscles then relax.

It can be helpful to attend classes on relaxation to learn about the different techniques that might suit you.

Meditation

Meditation may not suit everybody but it is definitely an effective coping tool for some. Some people find meditation relaxing and recharging while others find it frustrating and distressing. Mediation requires practice. Below is a very simplistic example of meditating, however it is very helpful to seek guidance on different techniques and ways to meditate that might suit you.

• 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

Positive thinking

Trying to keep a more positive frame of mind can be helpful when you have endometriosis. Having thoughts that are about the solutions to difficulties and problems is a lot more helpful than just focusing on the problem we may be facing or constantly worrying about.

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'.

Massage, facial, body treatments

Massages, and treatments may be used by some women as a coping tool because they are calming, they are time out to relax and they are rejuvenating. For others the thought of a massage and being touched is distressing. If massage and treatments mean that you feel better about your body and they have a positive impact on your wellbeing then you may like to include them as a way of coping with your health.

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

Content updated March 28, 2010