Many people are telling us how to
minimize the stress of the holiday season. Some pointers are
excellent, some are okay, and others almost seem to create more
stress than help reduce stress. I am looking at this as a person
with diabetes. What works for some may not work for all of us.
Stress makes management of blood glucose levels more difficult.
The following are suggestions that may
help:
#1. Manage your expectations:
Relax, relax, and do not put on perfection, especially if you are the
hostess or host. Stay within yourself and you will succeed. Be
careful not to expect too much that can lead to creating stress and
disappointment.
#2. Add a good night's sleep to your list: It does not matter whether you are
the host or just an invitee; make sure to get enough sleep. Being in
a bad mood will not serve you well in any case. Do yourself a favor
and get the sleep you need.
#3. Mind your sleep schedule over
the holidays: Just because it is the holidays, you would be
better served maintaining a sensible schedule with regular sleep.
Getting the sleep you need will make diabetes management easier.
Even my wife found out that I do better and am more at ease with more
sleep.
#4. Avoid "crashing":
How true this is. You do not need the bloating and spikes in blood
glucose during the holidays. When you let this happen, you will most
often regret this in the days following. Eating what you need is one
thing, but avoid the carb dense foods and maintain a healthy food
plan. Select low carb fruits and vegetables that will last until the
next meal. A good food plan will include a protein source that
contains the fat you need. You will feel better in the days
following by sticking to your meal plan.
#5. Know your limits: Stay away
from relatives that insist on airing all the dirty laundry at the
dinner table. When my great uncle was alive, I never liked family
gatherings as I knew what the topic of conversation would be. Twice
I refused to go with my parents to family gatherings and finally my
mother asked why. I told her I did not like my great uncle and the
way he constantly was running someone in the family down. I said it
ruined the day for me and I preferred to be happy at home. Surprise,
we all stayed home and had a great day. Even today, I generally will
avoid gatherings where someone is constantly trying to ruin the day
for others.
#6. Make time for you: Yes,
make time for yourself and put yourself first for a short time. The
holidays seem to make people put others ahead of themselves and this
can be harmful if one does this to an extreme. Always set time aside
for yourself and allow time to unwind and relax before bedtime. Go
for a brisk walk or have a good soak in the tub before bedtime to let
the stress of the day melt away.
#7. Still tossing and turning all
night?: This is not what you should do. If this is what you are
doing, get up and go to another room where you can occupy yourself
with something that relaxes you until you are sleepy. You do need to avoid creating the wrong type of atmosphere in the room where
sleep is needed.
#8. Start The Day With Exercise:
This is the best way to set the right tone for the day when you know
you are going to be surrounded by food all day. Any type of exercise
will work, but be sure to make it long enough to help burn a few
hundred calories. Not only will exercise do this, but for many, it
can help suppress your appetite. Next, eating all day will cause
less desire to exercise. Finally, the morning exercise will put you
in a frame of mind to help you resist the high calorie food in the
food available to you for the day. This should put you ahead for the
day and by repeating this morning routine, should help immensely
during the holidays.
Happy Holidays!
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