What is Stress?
Stress, our physical and emotional response to events, is part of everyday life. Although stress is usually thought of as a negative feeling, we actually need a certain amount of it to function properly. This kind of positive stress is referred to as eustress or “good stress” because it motivates us to respond quickly to dangerous or demanding situations. For example, having a deadline for a school paper may create feelings of stress, but it pushes you to complete the task by the due date. Getting to work on time or making sure that you fit in time for physical therapy are other examples. Eustress is also responsible for our feelings of anticipation, excitement and the adrenaline rush that causes a natural high. Without a little stress in our lives we wouldn’t be motivated to do much of anything! On the other hand, too much negative stress, or distress, can actually be detrimental to our health, draining us of energy. Ways to Manage Your Stress
Fitting CF therapy and nutrition regimens into your daily schedule can become stressful, and it’s important to develop ways to deal with this. In theory, managing stress means controlling your response to a situation or controlling the external stimulus—easier said than done. But it can actually be fairly simple. Remember, when you feel stressed out you always have some control. For instance, you may feel that you have no control over the fact that you need treatments. But the fact is, you are in control of how and when treatments are administered. Avoid and Prevent Stress
By changing the areas in your life that cause you the most stress, you will be able to attain a much more rewarding lifestyle. For instance, if following healthy nutrition decisions seems difficult, schedule your meals and snacks, and then shop for the entire week in one afternoon. This will make you feel more in control of your time and ensure that your nutritional goals are met, too. Also, activities that make you feel calm and happy can counter stress. Hobbies such as writing, drawing, or reading relax the mind. People who exercise and play sports regularly generally feel better about themselves, have more energy, and sleep better. Finding people to talk to, such as family, friends, other CF patients, or a counselor, can help you sort out your feelings. Remember, when you can’t avoid stress, it’s better to deal with it than to let it get you down. Be Organized
Organizing your schedule and belongings is one of the best ways to help reduce your daily stress. Feeling rushed, misplacing things, and not being focused will cause a lot of tension and worry. By creating a daily routine that fits well into your life, you will not feel quite so rushed. If your life feels organized, then you will avoid worrying about unnecessary problems like finding your homework. Find Support
CF patients with supportive family and friends tend to handle stress better than people who are alone. If talking helps, then having a group of people who are willing to listen is perfect. Likewise, if exercise or sports is your outlet. Life and living with CF will not seem so overwhelming if you know you’re not alone. If you feel isolated, communicate with your CF team. 
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