15 Resolutions for Better Managing Your IBD This Year

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) affects an estimated 1.6 million Americans. These chronic illnesses, which include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, often come with symptoms like irregular bowel movement, fatigue and abdominal pain. IBD management can be challenging, and flare-ups have a tendency to unpredictably disrupt a person’s life. Still, people with IBD work every day to manage their condition.

The Mighty teamed up with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America to ask people what resolutions they’re making to better manage their IBD in the new year.

Here’s what they said:

1. “My only resolution is to get as healthy as I can.” — Sharon Maiman Rosenberg

2. [To meditate and journal] to reduce and control stress, exercise and [take] my vitamins every day… I am mindful that at any point my condition can change so I am doing as much as I can now.” – Tanya Whitner

3. “To speak up more with my doctors and push to get the things I need. To not be afraid if I disagree or to point out things that just don’t work. I went along with my previous doctor and believe I suffered way longer than necessary.” — Julianna Cleveland

4. “To believe in myself and my life.” — Ella Hinton

5. “We are praying for remission in the new year.” — patriciabhood on Instagram

6. “To learn as much as I can about my disease.” — Mo Leisdon

7. “To continue practicing personal development [and] mindfulness practices.” — Rachel Kling

8. “To be more mindful about what I eat, start a vitamin regimen and start gentle yoga.” — Lisa Brockway Middleton

9. “To pace myself when not feeling well.” — Nancy McConnell Johnson

10. “To try to be tranquil.” — Olga Pereda

11. “To listen to my body.” — Teresa Zale

12. “To feel better.” — Jenny Jean Philippe

13. “My resolutions are to watch what I eat and get in better shape. As much as I love certain foods, I know which ones trigger me, and it’s time to put my foot down and not cheat. Also, I know I’m coming up on needing surgery, so getting in good shape and strengthening my abdominal muscles for an easy recovery is a huge priority.” — Alison Lynn Sarver

14. “[To] work hard to further #ibdawareness, and find something to be thankful for each day.” — Colitis Ninja

15. “To continue to focus on what I can do, not on what I can’t.” — Kenzie IBD

Images courtesy of Thinkstock.

Editor’s note: This story represents individuals’ experiences and should not be considered medical advice.

*Some responses have been edited and shortened for brevity.