Sometimes life just gets crazy hectic! You know, those days you knew would be busy, but then they run into a week and spill in the the next all while extra jobs, errands and responsibilities seem to pop up from nowhere. The days when I just can't seem to catch a break.
They're the times when, despite my best intentions, I seem to slowly but surely slip out of my good habits (read as 'good diabetes management flies out the window'). There was a time, when I was younger, and had had diabetes a few less years that I seemed to be able to get away with a bit more, but now blood sugar swings are nothing but utterly exhausting, stressful and put me in a downright dumpy mood where everything falls on top of me. So I've identified a couple of steps I take to help me prevent or get out of that downward spiral into diabetes negativity, which I thought I'd share with you:
Fresh Air: The most simple step, yet sometimes it seems insanely difficult to take a couple minutes break I know! Step outside, walk around the block, down the street or to the corner shop. Taking a few deep breaths and specifically concentrating on releasing the tension as I exhale works wonders. Personally, I think walking around the supermarket or shopping centre doesn't count, as it's about 'stepping away' and finding a bit of peace. But if shopping calms and clears your mind, and its the only exercise you think you'll get all day - go for it!
Music: Even just one song can make a difference. It might be a vocal belter, an old school love ballad, nature sounds, or the pan pipes of Peru. I have chosen a song or two for whenever I need to de-stress my mind and let go. Whether singing at the top of your voice (I only do this in car!) or closing your eyes to let the notes wash through you, music is a great way to separate yourself from the issue at hand and defuse the stress.
Schedule Downtime: This is one that I probably consider
the most important: a personal must, something that I do every week, whether I know its going to be a busy one or not (because usually it just ends up busy anyway!). The trick though is to act as if the period of time I have selected is
taken, as if it were a meeting or an appointment. Really I am making an appointment with myself. Knowing I definitely have some time that is just for me, in which nothing will be expected or demanded of me, helps negate stress when those unexpected things start piling up. My preference is to have a day a week that is just for doing 'whatever', but splitting it into an hour or two a couple of afternoons a week also works well, as it provides little 'pit stops' to refuel as the week goes on.
Drink Tea: Confession time... Sometimes... when I get busy... I eat foods I wouldn't usually (and really really shouldn't)... the typical, evil, on-the-go type processed foods. It doesn't help that I have an account at the office cafe.. which really only sells chips, chocolate & nuts... oh and cans of sugary soft drink... and despite my little food draw at my work desk, when I'm tired, my will power crashes too. So! Tea. Tea helps kill that sweet-toothed, processed food craving monster. I have a whole selection on hand depending on the time of day (caffeine levels): Green, Rooibos, English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Camomile. It is also very calming to sit there sipping, breathing in the hot steam (if you also clutch the cup with both hands and close your eyes, you may get lucky enough that people will think you're a bit odd and actually leave you in peace for a few moments too. Combining with a low hum or rocking motion is optional)
The Big Guns: Time Out & Lifestyle Mapping
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| Hanging out with your best friend helps too! |
These two are for when I really need to stop and take a look at why my blood sugar levels are behaving the way the are. Majority of the time I am out of sync because I have been working unusual long hours, so I am able to take an afternoon or day off as soon as reasonably possible... remembering that health comes second to none. Apart from catching up on house stuff and unwinding, I sometimes also use the time to start lifestyle mapping, which I continue for 1-4 weeks at a time. This is a detailed 'diary' of not just my blood sugar readings, carbs, and insulin (coz' as if that wasn't tedious enough) but also my energy levels, hunger levels, mood, activities (such as work, meetings, new exercise regimes etc etc) & nutritional intake (total calories, fat, protein, sodium, supplements) throughout each day. Sounds involved I know, which is why I can't seem to bring myself to do it everyday of the year, but its great for identifying
little adjustments that need to be made, which make a
big difference to how I feel overall.
That's my top five!
What do you do to relax? What would you add to my quick tips?
Life has been getting a bit hard lately. The optimist and little helper in me doesn't want to admit that but realistically its true. And its taken me a while to accept that, and that it is also ok. It is ok to find life tough and admit that you need a bit of help, even if its just to be able to accept advice from others, or to step back and take a break. What's not ok with me is when life gets tough and diabetes takes a back seat, as we all know, that just makes life tougher!
