Diabetes is a disease that engulfs your entire life once you are diagnosed. Every single day comes the constant struggle of maintaining stable glucose levels. Some have it harder than others, but overall, it’s a difficult disease to live with. The diagnosis in itself can be pretty stressful.
The problem?
Stress causes inflammation, and as an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, it can wreak havoc on your diabetic body.
Here are 7 tips on how to take care of yourself and reduce stress and inflammation throughout the body.
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1. Hang With Friends
While we currently live in the age of text messages and last minute cancellations, hanging out with your friends can do you a lot of good. Spending time with friends can alleviate stress and increase happiness. Just be sure to hang out with your happier friends that will lift you up rather than weigh you down.
2. Drink More Water
Drinking water may not seem like a great self-care tip, but staying hydrated helps you avoid hyperglycemia. Drink water throughout the day and stick with water during meal time. Reserve your non-water beverages for special treats like coffee or a glass of wine.
3. Explore the Outdoors
Being in nature can make us kinder, happier, and more creative. It’s true! Don’t live near a national park? No worries. Just head outdoors and steer clear of major city sounds such as traffic, construction, and general hustling and bustling. Head to a park, a beach, or even just your patio to soak up some sun and fresh air.
4. Laugh More
Laughter is a powerful medicine to boost the immune system and increase happiness. This helps your body withstand stress and fight off any potential viruses that may come your way. Plus, it’s fun!
5. Move Your Body
Exercise is good for everyone. Our bodies were designed to move; we are made of muscles, after all! By practicing moderate exercise several times a week, you are better able to control your blood glucose, have stabler moods, and fall asleep more easily. Don’t you want all those things?
6. Practice Meditation
Meditation is an incredible tool that is available to you (for free!) 24/7. It reduces stress, increases happiness, makes you smarter, and helps you sleep better. There are thousands of free tutorials online and all you need is a few minutes of practice a day to start.
7. Get Creative
Like meditation, exercise, good sleep, and lots of water, art are good for everyone. Most notably, it significantly reduces stress, anxiety, and even depression. It helps the brain process emotions so that you aren’t stuck with unresolved issues, which can make a stressful day a whole lot worse. You don’t need to be that talented, either. Just grab a coloring book and get to work!
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Mayo Clinic. URL Link. Retrieved July 28, 2017.
Psychology Today. URL Link. Retrieved July 28, 2017.
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