Connectingwith yourselfUnderstand howyou’re feelingWhen you’ve had a stoma operation, it’s likelythat your emotions will be up and down,making it hard to understand exactly howyou’re feeling. This can often lead to negativethoughts, which in turn trigger unhealthybehaviour patterns.Thoughts andFeelings RecordThrough capturing and reflecting on your thoughts, you can become more awareof how you’re feeling, and learn how to reframe negative automatic thoughts.This is an activity that willhelp you get your thoughts inorder and cope with differentsituations - and physicallyand mentally prepareyourself to achieve thethings you want.This activity isn’t designed to criticise thoughts or feelings, but to notice how they mightmake you react to situations in a way that doesn’t help your mood. You can then be yourown objective observer, identifying more positive ways to respond.As well as helping to rebalance your emotions, this activity is valuable as a guidewhen speaking to your partner or other people about how your week has been.Cath, Fittleworth ClinicalNurse SpecialistHere’s what to do...1.Sit or lie down somewhere comfortable in a place that feels private and safe2. Close your eyes, take 3–5 deep breaths in and out, and then be still forapproximately 5 minutes3. Don’t worry if your mind wanders, just keep focusing on your breathing4. After 5 mins, look at the Thoughts and Feelings Record and complete each section22If this activity brings up distressingthoughts, please flick to page 30where you’ll find a number ofsupport services you can accessto talk through your concerns.23
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