Stress Management for COPD Patients

"Working for the federal government as an attorney with a lot of responsibility, there's a lot of stress in my life.I used to thrive on it. I used to think this is the way life should be! But now that I have COPD, I realized that stress needs to take a back seat So there are things that I do now to help to alleviate stress...everything. from taking vitamin B everyday to meditation to diaphragmatic breathing to connecting with people who are likeminded." - Terry Lee, COPD Patient - Take a moment to think about something that stressed you out recently. Maybe you had to drive in heavy traffic, or got into an argument with a friend or colleague, or maybe you got short of breath and spiraled into a panic.

Now, ask yourself: How did I react to this stressful situation? Did you feel out of control? Or angry? Maybe, scared?

Also ask yourself: How did my body feel when it was under stress? Did your shoulders or neck tighten up? Did your stomach churn or cramp? What happened to your breathing?

Stress and Breathing

If your breathing is already difficult due to COPD, stress can set off a downward spiral. When you feel stress, you may become short of breath. Your neck, shoulder, and chest muscles tense and you become anxious. Then, you begin to breathe faster, which tires your breathing muscles, trapping air in your lungs. Then, your breathing becomes even more difficult and your anxiety increases. And if not controlled, this spiral can lead to a feeling of panic.

The key to decreasing shortness of breath and avoiding panic is to use pursed lip and belly breathing whenever you start to feel anxious.

When you feel yourself becoming short of breath, stop what you're doing and lie down. Or you can sit down, relax your arms and shoulders, and lean forward, resting your upper body on your forearms. In either position, you can use pursed lip breathing or belly breathing to help restore your breath and your sense of calm.

Other ways to relieve, or even prevent, stress include listening to music, talking with a friend, doing gentle movement (such as Tai Chi or yoga), or listening to a relaxation tape.

Stress Buster Strategies

Whether or not stress becomes unmanageable for you depends a lot on your perception of a situation and your actual ability to cope with it. Having strategies that work for you can help you keep stress manageable.

There are both immediate and long-term strategies for managing stress.

Here are some things you can do right now. Practice breathing techniques and in-place relaxation exercises. Change your perspective on the situation through humor and laughter and talking to your loved ones.

For the Long Haul practice Tai Chi or Yoga, or schedule a regular massage. Use journaling to gain perspective over a long period of time. Take time to participate in a COPD support group or talk to a counselor skilled in working with persons with chronic illness.

The next time you find yourself in a stressful situation, consider one of the immediate strategies to get your reactions under control. Also consider the strategies that work over time to live better with your stress, day to day.