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How do you manage your stress levels? Select all that apply, and share what works for you in the comments!
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As it relates to T1D, I remind myself that this is a lifelong disease and getting stressed out by something that I have no ‘real control over’ only makes it more difficult and more stressful.
With that said, knowing that when I practice aggressive and proactive diabetes management it improves my quality of my life and hopefully promotes / prolongs a healthy life.
It depends upon what the stress is. Is it an internal thought, or an external happening?
My go-to is daily exercise. I enjoy running and working in the yard. Probably one of the most effective stress relievers it to turn off the television. Get outside and get some fresh air. Go for a walk, or in my case, a run.
But, it all depends on what the stress is.
“is to turn off the television.”
First thing I do is pray. Then I do my part.
If anyone asks for wisdom, it will be given by God without reproach.
My other is cleaning. I hate cleaning but love to do it when I am stressed out. Do not really understand why.
I am fortunate to be retired and comfortable, so stress inducing incidents are VERY rare.
Listen to music 🎶
Prayer!! Philippians 4:13
Yes!
Does being probably a workaholic and OCD count? I keep busy physically, but I’m also a bit analytical. Still I’d work til exhaustion, my grandpa used to say a man that worked hard enough was too tired to lay in bed worrying, or have many health problems (that I’d question though). Now retired I have a decent garden, yardwork at the apartment, walk my herd twice a day, volunteer at the Humane Society. Never had trouble sleeping, stress seems to be alleviated.
I have one more to add, I take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Something my mother taught me years ago!
I tried to give you a thumbs up, but it did not work. So, here’s your thumbs up. Breathing is a proven relation technique.
Most of my stresses are emotional, so I listen to music which I find relaxing, or I go work a number puzzle because I find numbers to be unrelated to emotions. Nine is no more glad or sad than six or two! Thus it gives me a way to release energy and not yield to emotions.
Of course, exercise, then I turn on the TV and get “Lost in Space” and watch other people’s troubles.
typically, if my stress levels are high, so is my blood glucose. Exercise is great for both
Right now, with 3 family members with serious health issues (not including my own T1D), I only use exercise to reduce stress. Time for my own creative projects is not possible. As a teenager, I used music, reading, pet companionship, art, building and decorating as my outlets. Since retirement and family ailments, those activities have ceased.