Worry: A Guide for the Cystic Fibrosis Community
Written by Marc Cotterill
Help or Hinder?
On one hand, worry is a functional process, a way for our brains to handle problems. That’s a good thing. It’s likely to cause us to problem-solve and take action, keeping us safe by protecting us from making poor choices or taking unnecessary risks.
But there is another side to worry, because on the other hand, if we get stuck thinking about a problem, worry stops being functional, and it has the potential to lead to so much risk avoidance that one misses out on the very life they are so desperately trying to protect.
The reason it’s in my mind today is because I think it is fair to say that every family or individual affected by Cystic Fibrosis (CF) carries worry with them throughout life. And whilst the level or amount of worry may rise and fall at various times over the years, I think it is fair to assume that most of us have a constant undercurrent of worry with us forever.
Perhaps controversial, but the reason I think this is important is because I believe worry to be one of, if not the, biggest internal factors that can determine our level of happiness.
I explain why, in my simple ‘Worry-Happiness Equation’. It’s not scientific and you won’t find it in textbooks, but in my head, this is how it works:
Happiness = (Life’s Pleasures + Meaningful Goals) − (Worry × Time Spent Worrying)
When we're young, we often equate the pursuit of happiness with ticking off a series of life's checkboxes:
Land the dream job
Get the fancy car
Find 'the one'
Buy the big house
Get married and start a family…
And then, live happily ever after, right?
But as we grow older, we come to understand that these are just milestones on a much more complex journey filled with life's ups and downs.
You see, the majority of our lives aren't made up of first kisses, graduations, or 'epic' paddle-boarding adventures. In reality, our days are filled with entirely average moments: waking up to an alarm, deciding what to wear, commuting, waiting in queues, and deciding what's for dinner or what to watch on Netflix. For those of us dealing with CF, add in hospital visits, ordering prescriptions and administering daily treatments.
Even those who lead exceptionally exciting lives mostly spend their days in ordinary moments. And nothing robs these ordinary moments of their joy more effectively than worry.
Worry casts a long shadow, stifling our creative minds and trapping us in a cycle of negativity. We find ourselves consumed by the 'what ifs’ instead of recognising all the beautiful parts of everyday day life that deserve to be appreciated.
Because if there’s one thing that tastes better than sliced banana and Nutella on a toasted bagel, it's sliced banana and Nutella on a toasted bagel when you’re not weighed down by worry.
Striking the Balance: Care vs Overconcern
The line between care and overconcern is remarkably thin, yet it’s this balance that often dictates our emotional well-being. Striking the right balance allows us to be vigilant about our health or the health of our loved ones, without surrendering to the paralysing grip of incessant worry.
I often feel that it’s tougher for our parents. I mean, for those of us with CF, this is often our only reality, but for many of our parents it isn’t, and so it’s entirely natural for them to feel a significant amount of worry.
But what is perhaps even more, well, 'worrying', is the idea that it can be a learned behaviour. If we grow up in an environment where overconcern is the norm, it's all too easy to absorb these thought patterns from our parents or caregivers. Before we realise it, we too can find ourselves entangled in a state of worry.
Uncertainty is often the breeding ground for our worry, creating an emotional landscape that is ripe for stress and anxiety. The less control we feel we have over a situation, the more uncertain we become, which in turn intensifies our worry.
When faced with unpredictable circumstances, the mind tends to fill the information gap with worst-case scenarios which can easily snowball: the more we worry, the larger our uncertainties feel, which in turn feeds back into more worry.
It's a delicate balance. Without it, each cough or minor exacerbation can feel like a looming disaster, when in reality, they are just part of the CF journey.
But worry isn't something we choose. It's an involuntary reaction that can catch us off guard. We've all heard the phrase, 'Don't worry!' But telling someone not to worry is about as useful as telling them not to feel pain when hurt—it is invalidating, unhelpful and dismissive.
The Worry-Stress-Anxiety Triangle
As I delved deeper, it became clear that we're often dealing with more than just worry. I know I frequently use terms like 'stress' and 'anxiety' interchangeably with worry—and I already have—but in reality, each has its nuances.
Please note that these definitions and explanations are simplified for general understanding.
Worry is a cognitive process that involves dwelling on problems, potential problems, or uncertainties. It is often future-oriented and may or may not be based on actual events. It is generally short-term and situation-specific and can be both positive and negative. Moderate worry can motivate problem-solving, but excessive worry can be debilitating.
Stress is a physiological and psychological response to a perceived threat or challenge, whether real or imagined. It involves a range of bodily changes, such as increased heart rate and cortisol levels. It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term), depending on the nature and duration of the stressor. And, like worry, it can have both positive ("eustress," such as the stress before a competition that improves performance) and negative ("distress") effects on an individual.
Anxiety is a mental health condition characterised by excessive, prolonged worry and fear about everyday situations. Unlike worry, which is considered a normal cognitive process, anxiety is often disproportionate to the situation. It’s typically long-term and may not be tied to a specific situation or event and is generally negative, affecting both physical health (e.g., fatigue, headaches) and mental well-being. May include symptoms like panic attacks.
A simple way to make sense of it all is that worry is a cognitive activity that can lead to stress, a physiological and psychological response. And prolonged or chronic stress can contribute to the development or exacerbation of anxiety disorders, a more chronic and debilitating condition.
While writing, I was keen to gather views from the CF community. While I suspect that worry is a common experience within the CF community, I wanted to put that assumption to the test and ask for real feedback from my audience on Instagram.
Voices from the CF Community
I gathered responses via an Instagram Stories question box which allows for private submissions (thank you!). Instead of sharing the raw commentary and usernames, to protect privacy I've analysed the comments and identified a number of recurring themes.
A little over 1,000 accounts viewed my Instagram Story, and it generated a total of 158 comments and direct messages. Here are the emerging themes:
Fear of the Future: A theme of worry regarding declining health and the mortality associated with CF appears in many responses. This includes not only concern about disease progression but also a fear of reverting to a poorer state of health after experiencing improvements from recent medications.
Parental Worry: Parents of children with CF express a distinct kind of worry that goes beyond the child's immediate health. This includes concerns about long-term well-being, quality and length of life, social experiences, and how their child will cope with the emotional burden of CF as they grow older.
Psychological Strain and Seeking Professional Help: Several messages bring up the issue of anxiety, panic attacks, and the emotional toll CF takes on individuals and families. Some individuals—both parents and patients—mention turning to therapy or other forms of psychological support to cope.
Treatment and Medication: The subject of medical treatments like Trikafta and Kaftrio is another recurring theme. Concerns range from eligibility, efficacy, availability and affordability of modern medications, as well as the stability of the healthcare system in the current economic climate.
Social Isolation and Environment Control: A common topic is the lengths to which families go to control the environment around the CF patient, such as avoiding social situations and events or being extremely cautious about cleanliness.
Impact on Relationships: Several messages discuss the emotional burden that constant worrying places on relationships within the family. The strain appears to affect not just the individual with CF but also parents, siblings, and extended family. Some individuals worry about the impact of CF on their relationships and the prospect of finding a partner in the future.
Simple Coping Mechanisms: Some messages highlight the simple coping mechanisms people use day to day, ranging from adopting a "one day at a time" approach to “trying to keep life as normal as possible” and “focusing on what we can control”.
Balance and Quality of Life: The challenge of balancing the necessity of treatment with the desire for a 'normal' life is another prevalent theme. The challenge is to strike a balance between adhering to medical guidelines—which can be time-consuming and restrictive—and allowing for the kinds of experiences that contribute to a high quality of life.
Two Sides of Social Media: Some messages mention that social media can sometimes add to stress and anxiety, especially when comparing oneself or one's child to others with CF who might appear to be doing better or worse. However many agree they also feel less alone by having valuable support networks and access to others in similar situations.
Empowerment and Education: A couple of messages from adults with CF point to the importance of parents educating and empowering their children to understand and take control of their treatments and condition, as hiding or protecting their child from reality can have several consequences, both short-term and long-term.
I was pleasantly surprised by the number of comments received, especially given the personal nature of the subject. However, the themes that emerged weren't as surprising, or pleasant. They serve as a poignant reminder of the emotional and psychological burdens that both patients and parents endure on a daily basis.
While I am by no means an expert, and this doesn't negate the importance of consulting with healthcare professionals, I wanted to find and centralise a few science-backed tools and techniques that you may find useful. These might not be ‘game-changers’, but rather tools you can save for later and pick up when needed to help you reset.
Scientific Tools for Managing Stress
1: The Physiological Sigh
I learned of this technique from neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman via the Huberman Lab podcast - links below.
This is a tool that is said to be one of the fastest methods—one that is thoroughly grounded in physiology and neuroscience—for calming us down, in real-time, in a self-directed way, by harnessing our respiratory system. And I think for that reason, it is even more relevant for a CF audience.
It turns out we already practise this technique involuntarily, but the thing is, when we stress we tend to forget that we can also activate these systems voluntarily.
Method for Practising:
The practice can be done anywhere and at any time when feeling anxious or stressed. For the full effect, it's recommended to repeat this cyclic sighing at least two or three times or for up to five minutes.
Step 1: Begin with two inhales through the nose (the first one long, the second one short and sharp).
Step 2: Then follow with an extended audible exhale through the mouth.
Check out the explainer below:
Benefits:
Quick Stress Relief: The Physiological Sigh offers immediate mood enhancement and anxiety reduction. It also lowers your resting breathing rate, promoting calmness.
Long-term Impact: Consistent practice can improve mood, as shown in studies comparing it to other breathing exercises and meditation.
Sleep Aid: For those who have trouble sleeping, the physiological sigh can be repeated for 10 to 15 cycles and some find that it helps to put them to sleep.
Why It Works:
The double inhale maximises oxygen intake and expels more carbon dioxide. The exhale activates the vagus nerve via vocal cord vibration, slowing the heart rate and inducing calm. In stress, physiological changes like rapid heartbeat occur, but the sigh counteracts these, preventing negative thought spirals and aiding stress management.
2: Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR)
Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) is a concept and relaxation technique again promoted by neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman.
The practice of NSDR serves as a bridge between active wakefulness and rest. During the day, it offers a quick escape to reset and refresh the mind amidst a storm of worries. At night, it can ease the transition into restful sleep or offer gentle assistance to lull you back to sleep following unsettling wakeful moments.
Method for Practising:
NSDR practices generally involve relaxation techniques that keep the mind awake while the body is in a deeply relaxed state. Also known as Yoga Nidra.
Follow the guided videos below:
10-minute Guided Yoga Nidra
35-minute Guided Yoga Nidra:
Benefits:
Immediate: the approach is a quick and easy method to achieve relaxation and mental calmness at home which may help in reducing immediate stress or anxiety.
Long-term: Regular practice of NSDR techniques can improve sleep quality, enhance focus, and improve overall mental and physical well-being.
Why It Works:
NSDR transitions you from wakefulness to a near-sleep state, refreshing both mind and body. It allows for deep relaxation without sleep, improving focus and reducing stress. Overall, NSDR promotes mental calmness, potentially improving sleep and overall well-being.
Additional Stress Management Tools
Mindfulness Meditation: Numerous studies have shown its effectiveness in reducing stress and improving mental well-being.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation: A well-studied technique that involves tensing and relaxing muscle groups to reduce bodily tension.
Breathing Exercises (Beyond Physiological Sigh): Techniques like deep diaphragmatic breathing are backed by a body of research for reducing immediate stress.
Gratitude Journaling: Some evidence suggests that focusing on positive aspects of life can reduce stress and improve mental well-being, though it may not be as robustly supported as other methods.
At the end of this article, I provide links to learn more about all of these techniques.
Exercise
For me, exercise is like pushing the ‘reset’ button. It takes me from a dark, bored, uninspired state, to feeling rejuvenated and energised, ready to take on anything.
The great thing is that it is scalable. Your workout is exactly that, yours. It doesn’t have to look like what you see on Instagram, it just needs to challenge you - whatever that means to you.
There’s a famous quote from Admiral William H. McRaven which says:
“If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.”
I’d actually change it to:
“If you want to change your world, don't just fluff your pillows—lift some weights!”
Because after a good workout, everything just looks and feels better. It provides a fresh, positive outlook which I find is a catalyst for larger change.
Supplements for a Calmer Mind?
We often encounter periods where worry and stress go beyond the boundaries of manageability, nudging us towards alternative options. Among these, non-prescription supplements emerge.
Before trying any supplements, you have to seek medical advice. This is even more relevant for people with CF, or parents nurturing children with CF.
Here in the UK, we typically have a Pharmacist within our CF teams. Ask them before trying anything new - it’s not worth the risk to simply throw caution to the wind.
Resource for Supplement Evaluation
If you want to start with your own research, I recommend examine.com (link below). It’s a great starting point that you can use with your Pharmacist to help make informed decisions about supplementation together.
Common Supplements
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb known for its adaptogenic properties that may help the body manage stress by modulating physiological processes.
I am currently trialling ashwagandha KSM-66 at a dose of 500mg daily for two months and have noticed some stress-relieving effects, such as a lower resting heart rate. However, it's important to note that I have no definitive evidence that correlation implies causation. Ashwagandha is something I use from time to time, not on a long-term basis.
Although generally deemed safe, I was unable to find substantial information regarding its use in individuals with CF. Therefore, those with CF should consult their CF Pharmacist before use, given that its immunomodulatory effects may interact with CF symptoms or treatments.
L-theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves, known for promoting relaxation without drowsiness, potentially aiding in stress management.
I briefly tried this supplement in 2021 in an attempt to enhance sleep quality after starting Trikafta. I combined it briefly with magnesium bi-glycinate and planned to introduce a third supplement, Apigenin. My pharmacist advised against Apigenin due to potential interactions with Trikafta, therefore I opted not to take it. I didn’t see any benefits to sleep or stress personally and found I had better control over sleep quality through regular exercise, exposure to natural light and improving sleep hygiene. Learn more via the Huberman Lab Sleep Toolkit below.
It's always advisable to consult with healthcare providers before incorporating L-theanine into your regime.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally by the pineal gland in the brain that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and has been shown to improve sleep quality, which in turn can contribute to reduced stress and anxiety levels.
I have no personal experience with using melatonin, the reason I included it is because I know some people with CF who do.
Though generally safe, the effects of melatonin in individuals with CF are not well-documented, necessitating caution and a discussion with your CF Pharmacist before use.
NAC (N-Acetylcysteine)
NAC is known for its antioxidative and mucolytic properties (think Pulmozyme dornase alfa), potentially aiding in managing CF symptoms by breaking down mucus. Its antioxidative effects could also be beneficial in managing stress-induced oxidative damage. I will include a few studies below.
The problem is that risks include gastrointestinal issues, respiratory problems, and in rare cases, severe reactions like ongoing vomiting; individuals with CF should be cautious and consult their Pharmacist due to the potential side effects.
Energy Drinks With Taurine
Taurine in energy drinks may have a calming effect on the nervous system, potentially aiding in stress management.
The high caffeine and sugar content in energy drinks can pose risks, especially for individuals with CF who may have glucose intolerance or other metabolic issues; the stimulant effects of caffeine could potentially exacerbate anxiety and interfere with sleep, counteracting stress management efforts. More on caffeine next:
Caffeine
Caffeine is not just a stimulant, it’s a strong reinforcer that subconsciously drives behaviour – caffeine added to anything will give you a preference for that thing, and this applies to behaviour, food, company etc.
Therefore, if you are not used to caffeine, avoid intake on days of tough physical or mental demands as the negative side effects may outweigh the benefits.
As a rule of thumb, taking 1-3 mg of caffeine for every kilogram of body weight per setting will likely provide you with all the benefits you need without jitters.
Some people feel anxious following any level of caffeine use.
As mentioned above to prevent impacts on sleep, avoid caffeine intake within 12 hours before sleep.
Final Thoughts on Supplementation
While the temptation of quick-fix supplements for stress relief—or sleep—can be tempting, it's essential not to overlook the fundamentals that create a conducive environment for well-being.
Keeping up with our CF treatments is the most critical factor. Maintaining consistency extends beyond the obvious benefit of keeping lungs clear of mucus and reducing the risk of infections. Adhering to our treatment regime also serves a psychological purpose by giving us a sense of control over the progression of CF.
When we’re proactive with our treatments, we’re not only taking tangible steps to preserve our physical health, but we’re also cultivating a mental state grounded in the reassurance that we’re doing everything within our power to manage CF. This proactive approach can be incredibly therapeutic mentally, as it alleviates some of the anxiety and stress associated with feeling helpless or passive in the face of a chronic illness. Read more about creating good habits for CF Treatments at the end of this article.
Beyond treatments—and exercise as already discussed above—adequate sleep is not just a luxury but a physiological necessity that directly affects cognitive function and mood regulation. Exposure to natural light, particularly in the morning and evening, can help regulate our circadian rhythm and improve sleep quality too. Similarly, a good diet rich in essential nutrients—that isn’t loaded with sugar—can significantly influence our mental state.
These pillars of health—treatment adherence, exercise, sleep and nutrition—should not be overlooked or substituted. Instead, they should serve as the foundation to which any supplementation we consider simply complements.
As always, consult your CF team for personalised advice.
My Final Thoughts on Worry
Looking back, I think we managed to strike a pretty good balance between care and overconcern within our household. As a child, I was never much of a worrier, despite the worries my mum carried. In my experience growing up, you don’t think too much about the future, you live in the here and now and that’s part of the gift of being a kid.
Mum’s worry was nicely counter-balanced by Dad’s mantra, which I’d say is best articulated with the words “Go on our youth, you’ll be o-rate!”.
As long as I got to play football and go to school, I was okay. And if CF prevented me from doing these things, I managed to forget pretty quickly and return to the things I loved afterwards.
I had my frustrations when Mum set boundaries, yet I knew that Mum knew best and that her intentions were for my own good. Don’t get me wrong, I certainly didn't follow her advice all the time, but making your own mistakes is part of growing up too. In my case—mistakes that always taught me that Mum knew best.
I was lucky. I grew up with enough concern to care about tomorrow, and with a positive mantra that taught me how to live today.
Resilience
In a recent Instagram poll, I reached out to my CF audience to capture their sentiments for a second time:
How do you feel about CF medications and treatments?
I was pleased to see that the majority of respondents—56%—view their treatments with gratitude rather than with regret.
It’s important to note that I posed the question at a single moment on a random day of the year, and in reality, perspectives on treatments likely fluctuate over time. Nonetheless, these two contrasting views reflect vastly different mindsets and I think shed light on a crucial aspect of managing CF.
While it's not realistic to expect that positive thinking alone can miraculously erase the challenges that come with managing CF, or the associated worry, it's crucial to acknowledge the power we have over our own mindset. As philosopher Marcus Aurelius wisely put it, 'You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength.' I think embracing this idea can empower us to approach our treatments, and CF life in general, with a more balanced and hopeful perspective.
And this isn’t because positive thinking miraculously manifests our thoughts due to some pseudo-scientific process that involves ‘frequencies’ and ‘waves’ like The Secret—by Rhonda Byrne would have you believe. It has more to do with how our habits and ‘confirmation bias’ come into play.
Confirmation bias can play a significant role in shaping our overall well-being and approach to CF. It refers to the human tendency to seek, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms our pre-existing beliefs or attitudes.
If we maintain a positive mindset, we're more likely to notice and remember the smaller victories—perhaps maintaining our lung function after a short cold, fewer symptoms on a particular day, or even a compliment from our CF team about sticking to our treatment plan. These 'wins' can serve as motivation to continue following our regime diligently, creating a virtuous cycle.
On the other hand, a more negative mindset could make us more attuned to setbacks, leading to a downward spiral where we question the effectiveness of treatments or become less diligent in doing them.
In essence, our mindset can influence our perception of how well we're managing CF, which can, in turn, impact our actual management of the condition. Positive thinking might not change the fundamental nature of CF, but it can certainly make the journey more manageable, affecting both physical and mental health.
I think this is the starting line for resilience.
Gratitude
Taking a moment every now and again to acknowledge our good fortune might sound ridiculous. After all, it's difficult to associate a condition like CF with anything 'good'.
But before I lose you, let me explain.
If there was ever a point in history to live with CF, or to have a child born with the condition, that time is now. Today, we have unmatched levels of understanding, treatments, and community support that far outweigh what my parents were ever privy to back in 1982 when I was born. For that reason alone, we have much to be thankful for.
It's easy to view all the extra things we have to do to manage CF as burdensome, but it's far more constructive to reframe them as 'things that enhance our lives'. This isn't about pretending; it's about shifting our perspective to recognise the resources we have at our disposal.
This reframe has real, tangible effects.
Ask yourself: Are you more likely to stick with your CF treatments if you perceive them as a pain, or as essential tools that improve your quality of life? If you have children with CF, are they more likely to adhere to treatments if they sense your resentment, or if they feel your gratitude?
Life feels richer when we choose to focus on the positive, even in the face of persistent challenges. Happiness doesn't magically materialise when our worries dissipate, instead, it emerges when we learn to accept and appreciate the journey, warts and all. By embracing the ups and downs, celebrating the joy in minor triumphs, and recognising the support we receive, we transform everything.
This, I think, is what happiness is.
Perspective
The amazing thing about human beings is that we're far stronger than we often give ourselves credit for. Do you ever wonder how people manage to cope in extreme situations like war, poverty, or terminal diagnoses? It's because humans are inherently resilient. No matter how difficult, we somehow manage to adapt to our current circumstances. That's a good thing.
Obviously, people in these situations suffer. Yet many reach a point where they manage to normalise their day-to-day stress, making it not just survivable but sometimes even manageable. They even find slivers of happiness in a life that, to others, might seem incomprehensible.
One of the strange quirks of human psychology though is that this process of normalisation swings both ways. Even when things are relatively okay, we often find concerns to stress over. It's like we have a number of "worry slots" in our brain, and we'll find something to plug into each one, regardless of how minor.
Oddly enough, even those in pretty good situations can experience stress levels that are on par with, or even exceed, those in objectively terrible situations. It's only when faced with genuine cause for concern do we realise how trivial some of our other worries are.
That’s not to say that our worries about CF are ever trivial, but perspective, I think, is a useful tool to help us navigate back towards gratitude.
I bring this up because amongst all the responses I received about worry, one comment stood out and offered me a profound sense of perspective. It was from Madhi who is 24 years old and was born with CF in Iran.
Before sharing this, I want to offer you an opportunity not to read it, because it is raw. So consider this your trigger warning if you need one.
I want to thank Mahdi for sharing his thoughts on worry:
"I have found out that most CFers die at the age of 10-12 in Iran. At least, this is what I saw on a website. I've been worried since then. I have lost a few friends of mine in a couple of years. I see myself like a survivor on an island.
I know dying will release this pain, but I don't care, I just want to live a bit more and experience stuff I haven't yet.
Seeing that the world is using the best medication and drugs for CF and I am not because I was born on a different side of the world, just makes me think I am being wasted here. I didn't choose to be this, it's not fair."
One of the challenges of becoming an emotionally mature human is attempting to see the world with a balanced perspective, even though we can only ever really view the world through the lens of our own experiences.
I'm not saying that only those living in the most extreme conditions have the right to worry, but when our lives feel consumed by CF, we need to remind ourselves that there are countless things to be grateful for and we all have the power to see them.
Our quote from Marcus Aurelius reminds us of that; "You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength."
It reminds us to focus on what we have control over and let go of the things we don’t.
Whilst difficult—and it will take practice—there is immense power in the act of letting go.
Some people call it submitting to God, I call it submitting to the unpredictable chaos of the universe. Because it's not us against the universe, we are a part it.
We should learn to accept that when it comes to cystic fibrosis, we cannot and will not control everything.
And you know what?
That’s okay.
We spend most of our days in ordinary moments, so let’s try to let go of the ‘what ifs’ and remember to recognise all the beautiful parts of everyday day life that deserve to be appreciated.
Because if there’s one thing that tastes better than sliced banana and Nutella on a toasted bagel, it's sliced banana and Nutella on a toasted bagel when we’re not weighed down by worry.
**Physiological Sigh**
Marc x
Useful Links and References
Podcasts
Physiological Sigh
Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR)
Mindfulness Meditation
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Breathing Exercises (Beyond Physiological Sigh)
Harvard Health Publishing - breath focus to help control stress
Healthline - Diaphragmatic breathing to lower stress levels
Gratitude Journaling
Mayo Clinic Health System - improve mental and physical health
Mindful.org - gratitude interventions for mental health and well-being
Psychology Today - study - gratitude journaling can improve sleep
Supplements
Ashwagandha
L-Theanine:
Melatonin
NAC
Stanford: Lung Function Improvement & PubMed: Maintained lung function
MDPI: Mucolytic Properties
PubMed Central: Psychological Stress Management
Wiley.com: Antioxidant Support During Stress
Energy Drinks With Taurine
Caffeine:
Supplement Research: examine.com
If you want to change the world, make your bed
James Clear: If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed
Mind is the Master: full transcript of Admiral McRaven’s speech
More on Managing CF Treatments
CF Treatments: An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure
Investing for your future. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Benjamin Franklin’s famous quote dates back to 1736, and at the time, referred to fire safety issues in Philadelphia where lit coals being carried up and down wooden staircases often meant that seemingly harmless scraps of fire later led to far more disastrous outcomes.