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Managing diabetes requires a little of your time and attention. But lots of other responsibilities want that time and attention too. Staking out some boundaries for important diabetes priorities like stress reduction isn’t easy, but it’s so important.
Taking Care of Yourself
The topic today is very near and dear to my heart since we will be talking about taking care of ourselves. Don’t stop the video now. Honestly, this is something you need to hear, and I’m going to offer some tips on how to take care of yourself. Some of my tips will be things you’ve heard of before, but I’m working hard here to share some unique tips that hopefully spark some intrigue in doing these acts of kindness for yourself.
Suggestions
I know you’ve most likely heard this recommendation of “you need to take care of yourself” before. But… Are you following the suggestion? For women, we typically put everyone else ahead of our needs. And for women with diabetes, that’s a lot, a real lot of extras to do’s. Heck, managing diabetes is already 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. There isn’t any time off, time out, or vacation. Our blood sugar rises, and falls happen every single day.
My first suggestion is to have a conversation with your significant other if you are living with someone, or it could be a friend or coworker. Have a conversation about partnering with you. It could be related to food or partnering with going for a walk after dinner or setting a time that is just for you…” me time.” Think about “What will help you,” would it be including lower-carb choices or making sure to have one or two servings of vegetables at mealtime? Or, if there are snacks in the house or near your workstation that are difficult for you to have close by, ask your partner about moving them. Or, like I mentioned earlier, going for a walk together.
Ok, here are some specific ideas to consider:
- I know many of you grow flowers in the spring and summer. That is a great stress reliever in itself and is creating a beautiful surrounding. What if you took it a step further to cut some of the flowers, place them in water and in a vase to bring into your home or office? For you, that is. Give yourself flowers because you deserve them.
- Take time out for yourself to read a book or watch a movie.
- For your listening pleasure, set up a new playlist of favorite tunes or some interesting podcasts to listen to when you are exercising, cleaning the house, or during your “me” time.
- Have you tried the varieties of yoga? A great relaxing start would be to try yoga nidre.
- Go for a walk where you are surrounded by trees or water. Take binoculars to do some bird watching along the way. Make sure to watch my Forest Bathing video. It’s amazing how this special walk can be so relaxing. Something you are doing for yourself.
- My latest favorite “me time” thing to do is to purchase some eucalyptus branches and hang them in my shower. The steam from your shower will allow the eucalyptus scent to surround you as if you were at an expensive spa. If you don’t have access to eucalyptus branches, a few drops of essential oils on the side of your shower will work too.
- You can also get this serenity during a weekly bath with aromatic salts.
- One more little tip here…if you find it hard to “allow” yourself to participate in self-care, enlist a friend or close relative to encourage you to do self-care. I have a friend who checks in on me and reminds me…you deserve to take time for yourself.
Be Sure To Check Out – Taking Medications and Monitoring Your Health and Diabetes Lifestyle Importance Known, Not Practiced
Please let me know in the comments section if you have some favorite take care of yourself ideas. I’d love to add more to my list.
Until next time, cheers to your health.
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