Last Updated on August 14, 2020 by Ellen Christian
Full disclosure: I am participating in a Vibrant Influencer Network campaign for Depend. I am receiving a fee for posting; however, the opinions expressed in this post are my own. I am in no way affiliated with Depend and do not earn a commission or percent of sales.
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Lately, I have something new to deal with when I wake up in the morning. As if making it to the coffee pot and getting my first cup of coffee wasn’t hard enough with five hours sleep. I now have to deal with a new challenge: making it to the bathroom RIGHT NOW. I’m not ready to call it incontinence. I prefer to think of it as a very strong need to visit the bathroom NOW. No, I cannot stop to scratch the cat or chat with my husband. Heaven forbid if my husband is in the bathroom before me. There is no more “hold on a minute” happening first thing in the morning.
Bladder Control Tips
Because of these new changes, I realize that at some point, I am going to have to be more aware of where the bathrooms are when I got out. I don’t want to let bladder control get in the way of my busy lifestyle so I’ve started searching for bladder control tips to be prepared.
- When you’re planning on being away from home, watch how much you drink. While it’s important to stay hydrated, be aware that what goes in, comes out.
- Watch the diuretics. Caffeine and alcohol are diuretics and “promote the production of urine.” Basically, they increase the amount of water that is processed out of your body.
- Go before you leave. I know I tell the kids that all the time, but this is a great tip for everyone.
- Be aware. When you arrive somewhere new, take a moment to locate the restrooms. That way, when you need them, you know exactly where they are.
- Work on Kegel exercises. Kegel exercises help improve your pelvic muscles which helps with bladder control. Take just a few minutes a day to work on these.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, can strain the muscles of the pelvic floor and contribute to bladder control problems.
- Watch what you eat. Spicy foods, chocolate and citrus fruits can trigger bladder control issues in some people. Keep a diary to see what your triggers are.
- Be prepared with a change of clothes just in case. If you do experience a bladder control problem while out, be prepared with a change of clothes just in case.
- Consider incontinence underwear like Depend Underwear with Fit-Flex protection. Fit-Flex protection features more Lycra strands for a smooth and comfortable close to the body fit.
Millions of Americans have bladder control problems. It’s not something that only effects older people and it’s not something that has to impact your active lifestyle. I plan on staying active even as I get older and I’m using these bladder control tips to make sure that’s possible. There are a lot of ways that you can stay active whether that means taking a walk around your neighborhood or taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator. I don’t always have time in my busy day to spend an hour exercising. When I’m busy, I can park at the far end of the parking lot or take a quick walk during my lunch break. When I have more time, I won’t be afraid to head out on that long walk with these bladder control tips.
The Depend brand is featuring the personal stories of real people with bladder control issues in a series of inspirational videos. The videos follow real people as they experience Depend Underwear with new Fit-Flex protection and gain the freedom and confidence they need every day. You can request a free sample of Depend Underwear with Fit-Flex protection.
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Ellen is a busy mom of a 24-year-old son and 29-year-old daughter. She owns six blogs and is addicted to social media. She believes that it doesn’t have to be difficult to lead a healthy life. She shares simple healthy living tips to show busy women how to lead fulfilling lives. If you’d like to work together, email info@confessionsofanover-workedmom.com to chat.
After having 5 children, my body is so not the same! My kids laugh at me when I sneeze or cough because they know the outcome! LOL! Thank you for the tips!
I cannot imagine after 5 children! I’ve noticed problems after 2!
Ever since my second child I’ve had issues with this. I use to be able to hold it all day and now I’m scared to even sneeze! I hadn’t even thought about my weight affecting it. Even more reason to get to the gym each morning.
I totally agree, Kenda!
These are great tips and it is a problem most of us are headed towards. It’s great that you can work with it and not have it control your life. 🙂
It’s so much better to learn how to deal with it now than wait until it impacts your life.
Definitely time to deal with it before it becomes a huge problem!
wow. So many great tips. I learned a lot!
I’m so glad, Melissa!
Some really good tips. I didn’t realize it was such a wide spread problem.
I’m learning more people have it than I thought!
I’m totally fine until I go on the trampoline. Then I really have to fight for control. lol
Oh no, Liz! I haven’t tried a trampoline!
Oh yes, those exercises! After a new baby I really need to be working on those. SIgh.
Me too, Ashley! Kegels can really help!
Great tips! After having kids these definitely come in handy!
Glad to help, Kristin! Kids can change everything!
Interesting post. Thanks for sharing!
Always glad to share, Wendy!
I notice when I have tea I better be around a bathroom! 🙂
Me too, Nancy, and I love my tea!
These are really great tips! I have been trying to drink at least a gallon a day, so I can never be too far from a bathroom! lol
That is a great goal, Jennifer!
I have realized my favorite drink–diet mountain dew- is a huge diuretic. I have tried to cut down on them.
Definitely a good idea, Pam!
My son will wake up and not pee for hours, sometimes, literally all day if he doesn’t go before he goes to school.
Sounds like my daughter, Debi!
Thanks for the great tips. I had no idea chocolate and citrus fruits were triggers.
They definitely can be for some people!
I had no idea that Caffeine was a diuretic. That is something I will need to keep a close eye on. After having 3 kids, I no longer have the same power i used to have to control bladder issues.
I totally know that feeling, Amber!
Wonderful tips and I always make my kids (and myself) use the restroom before we leave to go anywhere.. my sister we always made the joke that she was the bathroom inspector..lol.. every place, every stop she had to find the bathroom and check it out.. Thanks for a great post
LOL I feel that way myself sometimes!
I always go before I leave…then go when I get there and go when I get home! I am a frequent visitor to bathrooms!
I totally do the same thing, Diane!
I didn’t realize so many people had problems. I guess it is an issue that is hard to talk about without getting embarrassed. I didn’t know certain foods could trigger incontinence. Thank you for sharing the info and tips.
I definitely learned a lot with this campaign too!
I just had this discussion with my teenage daughter over the weekend. She has been ‘holding it’ while at school and I told her how horrible that is for her bladder. I did that when I was a child, got too busy and skipped restroom breaks. Don’t ask me how I did it then b/c now I can’t go more than two hours. It’s awful and I believe I ruined my own bladder. Thanks for the tips, I must try these!
My daughter does this too! Definitely not something good to do.