Table 3.

Adaptation strategies and aims*

Aims of adaptation	Adaptation strategies
Improve physical well-being (reduce symptoms and flare ups; prevent triggers of flare ups)	Medication Change diet Probiotic use Complementary therapies (eg, acupuncture, hypnotherapy) Finding a balance between doing too much and too little (pacing) Exercise Yoga Relaxation classes Smoking Personal research (including forums, Crohn’s and Colitis UK, social media)
Improving psychological well-being	Positive and proactive attitude Fighting on/soldiering on in activities (eg, playing netball, going on holiday) Finding a balance between doing too much and too little (pacing) Mindfulness courses Yoga Relaxation classes Personal research (including forums, Crohn’s and Colitis UK, social media)
Carry on working	Reducing working hours; selling off part of own business Rearranging working patterns Changing jobs Getting up earlier Finding a balance between doing too much and too little (pacing) Personal research (including forums, Crohn’s and Colitis UK, social media)
Prevent embarrassment	Situational avoidance (not going out; avoiding certain places) Planning (timing, location, duration of activities) Wearing nappies Personal research (including forums, Crohn’s and Colitis UK, social media)

*A number of adaptation methods appear across several categories.