Make exercise a daily prescription. Exercise is important for two main reasons: First, exercise is a great stress reliever. Dozens of studies have shown that no matter what the cause of stress is, no matter what symptoms the stress causes, regular moderate exercise can help make you feel better. Second, exercise is critically important for the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal system. If your body is sluggish, your stomach will follow suit; if your body is fit and active, your stomach will be healthier and better regulated. For example, in a 2011 study, IBS sufferers who were counseled to exercise for 20 to 30 minutes, three to five days a week, saw a dramatic improvement in abdominal pain, stool problems, and other symptoms. If you don't already exercise, you may want to consider walking at a moderate pace every day for 30 minutes.