Stress may have an adverse effect on diabetes treatment, for example, worrying so much that you forget to eat or forget to take your medication may affect blood glucose levels.
There will always be challenges and setbacks in life, and patients should be able to choose how to cope. Here are 6 ways to consider.
- Keep a positive attitude. When things aren’t going as well as you’d like, you may see more of the bad aspects of life than the good. Look for parts of yourself to appreciate in every important area of your life, such as family, friends, work, and health. This idea helps you get through difficult times.
- Be kind to yourself. Expecting too much of yourself? It’s okay to say no to things you don’t want or need to do.
- Accept the things you can’t change. Ask yourself these three questions.
- “Will this be important in 2 years?”
- “Can I control these situations?”
- “Can I change my situation?”
If you can make things better for yourself, then do it. If not, is there another way to handle it that is better for you?
- Talk to others. You can talk to a trusted family member or close friend about your thoughts. You can also find a professional to listen to your thoughts and help find a solution. If you want to seek help from a psychologist or counselor, consult your doctor for a referral.
- Tap into the power of exercise. Stress can be released through hard exercise, recharging your mind and body with activities that relax you, such as hiking, practicing yoga or tai chi. You may feel better after exercising.
- Take some time to relax. Practice muscle relaxation, deep breathing, meditation, or guided imagery. Your doctor may know of classes or programs that teach these skills. You can also find apps that teach these skills yourself.