Between the daily demands of work, finances, families, and many other things, it’s not always easy to balance our priorities. This can often lead to stress, and for some, anxiety and other negative emotions. Living with a chronic disease in addition to our day-to-day life, can be very demanding. Living with diabetes in particular can be quite overwhelming because of the constant demands put on the person living with this disease. Monitoring blood sugar regularly, taking medication and/or insulin injections, dealing with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and making many decisions regarding nutrition and activity can take a toll on someone’s mood.
Our emotions need just as much attention as our exercise and diet plan. Self-care can be any positive activity to help improve our mood, self-esteem and confidence. Just like taking medication regularly, regular self-care can decrease your stress and anxiety which can overall improve your health!
Ideas of self-care activities:
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Call a friend
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Meditation
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Read a book or a magazine
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Yoga
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Journaling or colouring books
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Spend some time outside
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Get a massage
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Listen to music
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Prepare your favorite meal
Although self-care can be helpful in the prevention of mental health issues, you may need further coping strategies. It is important that you check-in with yourself and ask yourself how you are feeling. If you are experiencing negative feelings towards your diabetes, or feeling mentally unwell overall, talk to your diabetes team for help and support.
Being aware of your diabetes health can help prevent and/or delay diabetes complications. Just like your mental health, your diabetes management needs self-care too!
The ABCDEs of staying healthy with diabetes!
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Το Α είναι για Α1c – Your A1c is the average of your blood sugar over 3 months. Aim for an A1c of 7% or less.
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Το Β είναι για την Αρτηριακή Πίεση – aim for a blood pressure of less than 130/80.
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Το C είναι για τη Χοληστερόλη – aim for an LDL (bad) cholesterol of less than 2.0 mmol/L.
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Το D σημαίνει Φάρμακα για την προστασία της καρδιάς σας – Ορισμένα φάρμακα μπορούν να βοηθήσουν στην προστασία της καρδιάς σας. Μιλήστε με την ομάδα διαχείρισης του διαβήτη σας.
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Το Ε είναι για Άσκηση και Διατροφή – Στοχεύστε σε υγιεινή διατροφή και τακτική άσκηση.
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S is for Self-management – set goals for yourself. Seek support when needed.
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Το Σ είναι για τον Έλεγχο για επιπλοκές – get your eyes, feet and kidneys checked annually to prevent complications.
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S is also for Stop Smoking – make a plan today. Speak to your pharmacist about the Quit Smoking Program