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THE DANGER OF STRESS FOR DIABETICS
Medical studies suggest that reducing and relieving stress can help control blood sugar. When a diabetic is under stress, blood sugar increases when hormones trigger extra glucose. But, the reverse is true, also. minimizing stress and increasing pleasure can lower blood sugar and possibly lower your risk for diabetic problems. When combined with a healthy diet and exercise, managing stress can also help diabetics reduce weight.
In today's world, stress is everywhere, all the time. It's not possible to totally get rid of stress, but it is possible to learn to control stress, create joy, and reduce its effects on you.
Get Plenty of Sleep - Sleep disorders and sleep deprivation may actually increase stress, making it very hard for a diabetic's body to regulate insulin and blood sugar. By getting plenty of sleep, you'll feel refreshed in the morning, refreshed during the day, and will be prepared to take on any challenge.
Be Resilient - Learn to let go and move on! Live a stress-resilient lifestyle by learning to bounce back from any problem. Recognize stressful situations, but don't worry or obsess about them. Provide hope for the future by welcoming challenges, finding solutions, and asking for support with an open mind.
Claim Some Time for Yourself - Take some time to practice stress reduction techniques once a day.
==>> Deep Breathing - Lie down or sit in a comfortable chair. Inhale deeply through your nose and hold your breath for a couple of seconds. Slowly breathe out through your mouth. Repeat this relaxation exercise several times during the day.
==>> Mindfulness - Sometimes known as mindfulness-based stress reduction, mindfulness basically means purposely finding time to pay attention to life around you, in the present, without thinking about the past or the future. For example, take time to watch your children play without worrying about anything other than how they are in the present. The result is peace, relaxation, body awareness, and understanding of the world around you. Sound profound? Try it, it is.
==>> Yoga - Try yoga for stress relief, body awareness, to minimize your blood sugar, and help with weight loss. Find a certified yoga instructor and stick with the easier styles of yoga for beginners, instead of power yoga which requires a lot of flexibility and rigid poses.
Create Pleasure - Find a hobby or activity that gives you pleasure. Repetitive hobbies that put you in a "zone" are really beneficial for relieving stress. Think about woodworking, writing, gardening, sewing, knitting, drawing, painting, or any other meditative hobby that breaks the train of negative thoughts and brings about calm.
You can also create pleasure by living a life of fun. Get a cat or dog, they're lots of fun. Take soothing baths, get a massage or spend the day at a spa, give your spouse a treat for no reason, play with your children, or simply watch a funny play and laugh out loud.
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