Diabetes & Relaxation: Why Do You Need a Break and How?
Stress can make you vulnerable, both mentally and physically. If you are diabetics, stress may increase the onset of complications, and also make it harder to control your blood sugar. That’s why relaxation is as important as medication in dealing with the disease. Here are some tips for you to relax..
1.Turn off electronic devices if you want to sleep well
The first and essential step to relax is to sleep well. Study found that the blue light of smartphones was linked to an increase in insulin resistance. So stay away from your phones throughout the night!
2.Take a deep breath
Abdominal breathing is an effective way to relax. Sit or lie in a comfortable way, close your eyes and place hands on your belly. Notice your breathing. Your hand will rise slightly with each breath in, then fall with each breath out. Take 10-15 minutes every day to practise it.
3.Maintain blood sugar level in a target range
When blood sugar is too high or too low, it can wake you up at night. So for type 2 diabetes, you should always follow the treatment plan, take medication as prescribed, to ensure the blood sugar level is within the target range.
4.Meditation
We are always busy at work. But a 10-minute meditation every morning is perhaps the game-changer for life! Just sit back in a quiet room without any distraction, close your eyes and try to relax your muscles. Start noticing your breathing, focus on one thing/word only in your brain. Disregard any distracting thoughts that come up but don’t put any pressure on yourself. Practise once or twice every day!
5.Exercise during the day
You will sleep better at night if you are tired during daytime. It doesn’t mean you have to do grueling training, simply doing some 15 minutes aerobic exercises will make you feel great. Exercise has huge benefits to diabetes. It can burn calories, maintain a healthy weight and blood sugar level.
Never too late! But before you start, remember to relax and keep calm! Still a long way to go mate!
