Antaru, a 50-year-old businessman in Mentro City, had been struggling with constipation for two months. Despite following his doctor’s advice and taking prescribed medicines, he found no relief. Frustrated, he returned to Dr. Suresh, who said, "I see the medicines aren't helping as expected. Sometimes, constipation can be linked to stress. I'd like you to see a psychologist to see if they can help." Antaru was hesitant but agreed to try. He made an appointment with Dr. Ritu, a well-known psychologist in the city.
In Dr. Ritu's office, the atmosphere was calm and welcoming. Antaru sat down as Dr. Ritu asked, "Tell me about your daily life, Antaru. What are your work hours like?"
Antaru sighed. "I run my own business, so I work long hours, sometimes 12-14 hours a day. I'm constantly worried about meeting deadlines and managing everything."
Dr. Ritu nodded. "It sounds like you have a lot on your plate. Stress can indeed affect your digestive system. When we're stressed, our bodies release hormones like cortisol, which can slow down digestion and lead to constipation."
Antaru looked surprised. "So, can stress cause constipation and bloating too?"
"Yes, it can," Dr. Ritu confirmed. "When you're stressed, your body goes into 'fight or flight' mode, releasing stress hormones. These hormones can slow down the muscles in your intestines, making it harder for waste to move through. This can lead to constipation and sometimes bloating."
Antaru asked, "How long does this constipation last?"
Dr. Ritu replied, "It varies for each person. Stress constipation can last a few days to several weeks, depending on how well we manage our stress. The good news is that there are ways to reduce stress and improve your condition."
Antaru asked, "How one get rid of constipation caused by stress?"
Dr. Ritu answered, "By making changes in routine. Taking breaks and having regular meals are important."
Antaru nodded, "I hardly take breaks and often skip meals or eat at my desk."
Dr. Ritu looked at Antaru. "Taking breaks and having regular meals are important. How do you get rid of stress constipation? By making changes to your routine. Let's talk about some techniques you can use."
Dr. Ritu then shared five quick techniques with Antaru:
Take Regular Breaks: "Every hour, take a five-minute break to walk around, stretch, or just relax. This helps reduce stress and gives your mind a rest."
Eat Balanced Meals: "Make sure you have regular meals with plenty of fiber. Eating at your desk can be stressful. Try to have meals in a calm setting."
Stay Hydrated: "Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated can help prevent constipation."
Practice Deep Breathing: "Take a few minutes each day to do deep breathing exercises. This can help calm your mind and reduce stress."
Talk About Your Stress: "If you're feeling overwhelmed, talk to someone you trust, like Meera, a friend, or a colleague. Sharing your worries can help you see things more clearly."
How to Handle Workload?
Then she asked, "What has changed recently in your work?"
Antaru explained, "My business has been growing, and with it, the responsibilities. I feel like I have to manage everything perfectly. I fear that if I take breaks or slow down, things will fall apart."
Dr. Ritu smiled gently. "It's common to feel that way, but it's important to realize that taking care of yourself is also taking care of your business. When you're healthier and less stressed, you can think more clearly and work more effectively."
Antaru asked, "But how can I change my thinking pattern?"
Dr. Ritu gave an example. "Imagine your business is a car. If you keep driving without stopping for fuel or maintenance, what happens?"
Antaru nodded. "The car will break down."
"Exactly," Dr. Ritu said. "You need to see breaks and self-care as refueling and maintenance. It's not about stopping; it's about ensuring you can keep going. Try to shift your focus from perfection to progress. Celebrate small victories and acknowledge that it's okay to ask for help."
Antaru felt a sense of relief.
Dr. Ritu added, "Also, think about how you can delegate some of your workload. Trust your team more and let them handle some tasks. It’s not necessary to do everything yourself."
Antaru nodded, "I have a hard time letting go of control, but I see how that adds to my stress."
Dr. Ritu reassured him, "Remember, delegating doesn’t mean you’re not doing a good job. It means you’re managing your resources wisely. This can help you focus on the bigger picture and reduce your stress."
Antaru felt encouraged. "I'll work on that too. It makes sense to share the load."
In conclusion, many people face constipation due to stress and heavy workloads. The key to solving this issue effectively is adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes managing stress, taking breaks, staying hydrated, and maintaining a balanced diet. This approach, along with delegating tasks and trusting others, can lead to better overall health and well-being.
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