Stress comes with the territory when you’re managing a long-term condition. You can’t erase it entirely, but there are things you can do to soften its grip.

Simple mindfulness practices, like deep breathing exercises or meditation, can help settle your nervous system. Journaling is another great way to get things off your chest, especially when you’re not quite ready to say them out loud. Even gentle movement like walking, yoga, or stretching can lift your mood and give you a little energy boost.

Building a routine around healthy habits like these helps in itself. It adds structure when life feels unpredictable. Find a quick guided visualization on You Tube and do it each time you brush your teeth or set a timer and take a short walk around the block after you’ve been working for an hour or two. Experiment with what works, and give yourself credit for trying new things.

Seek support from your CF Care team or check out National Mental Health Support at https://care.nationalmentalhealthsupport.com. You can also call or text 988 in the U.S. to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.