Connections Online Booklet 2022 - Flipbook - Page 23
Connecting
with yourself
Understand how
you’re feeling
When you’ve had a stoma operation, it’s likely
that your emotions will be up and down,
making it hard to understand exactly how
you’re feeling. This can often lead to negative
thoughts, which in turn trigger unhealthy
behaviour patterns.
Thoughts and
Feelings Record
Through capturing and reflecting on your thoughts, you can become more aware
of how you’re feeling, and learn how to reframe negative automatic thoughts.
This is an activity that will
help you get your thoughts in
order and cope with different
situations - and physically
and mentally prepare
yourself to achieve the
things you want.
This activity isn’t designed to criticise thoughts or feelings, but to notice how they might
make you react to situations in a way that doesn’t help your mood. You can then be your
own objective observer, identifying more positive ways to respond.
As well as helping to rebalance your emotions, this activity is valuable as a guide
when speaking to your partner or other people about how your week has been.
Cath, Fittleworth Clinical
Nurse Specialist
Here’s what to do...
1.
Sit or lie down somewhere comfortable in a place that feels private and safe
2. Close your eyes, take 3–5 deep breaths in and out, and then be still for
approximately 5 minutes
3. Don’t worry if your mind wanders, just keep focusing on your breathing
4. After 5 mins, look at the Thoughts and Feelings Record and complete each section
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If this activity brings up distressing
thoughts, please flick to page 30
where you’ll find a number of
support services you can access
to talk through your concerns.
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