Living Mindfully with Diabetes: Achieving Optimal Health

I’m here whether you want it or not. Chronically ill people know the meaning of these words. They know what it means to live with, manage and accept an illness 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. From the moment of diagnosis, there is usually no more vacation from this loyal companion. This is also what women, men and children with diabetes experience. “Many people don’t even know what people with diabetes do,” says clinical psychologist and health psychologist Dora Beer. Every blood sugar value requires reflection, and every meal requires mental work because the bread units and insulin requirements have to be calculated. Diabetes requires integration into the daily routine and into every phase of life: it experiences starting school and the first great love, plays a role at work, on vacation, at a favorite band’s concert, in the swimming pool, during menopause, and even when relaxing. He regularly reminds me: I’m here whether you want it or not.

Achieving Optimal Health

This constant stress leaves its mark. Many diabetics experience diabetes burnout. Dora Beer specializes in psych diabetology; Her clients include diabetics who experience symptoms of fatigue due to their illness. “People who naturally tend to be perfectionistic are particularly at risk,” says the Viennese psychologist. Sleep disorders, depression, fears and addictions can be possible consequences. Dora Beer wants to counteract this together with her clients, including with the help of stress management strategies and relaxation techniques. “It’s important to work with the client to find a suitable method,” she says. These can be progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness exercises or cognitive interventions such as recognizing and changing stress-aggravating thoughts and attitudes – such as “I have to do this alone” or “I can’t make mistakes”. “A walk in the forest often leads to more relaxation.” As individual as each person is, the needs of diabetics and the course of the disease are just as individual. In summary, however, it is all about one thing: accepting the illness and good self-care. Working against the disease just means more effort. “Diabetes is part of your life, but it is not life,”

Top 5 Habits for Living Mindfully with Diabetes

Living mindfully with diabetes involves a holistic approach that integrates mindfulness practices with diabetes management strategies to achieve optimal health and well-being. Here are some key principles and practices:

1. Mindfulness Meditation: Mindfulness meditation involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Practicing mindfulness can help individuals with diabetes become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations related to their condition. This increased awareness can lead to better self-regulation and decision-making regarding diet, exercise, medication, and blood sugar monitoring.
2. Stress Reduction: Stress can significantly impact blood sugar levels and overall health in individuals with diabetes. Mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery can help reduce stress levels. By managing stress more effectively, individuals can better regulate their blood sugar levels and improve their overall well-being.
3. Healthy Eating: Mindful eating involves paying full attention to the sensory experience of eating, including the taste, texture, and aroma of food. This practice can help individuals with diabetes make healthier food choices, eat more slowly, and recognize when they are full, leading to better blood sugar control and weight management.
4. Physical Activity: Regular physical activity is essential for managing diabetes and preventing complications. Mindful movement practices such as yoga, tai chi, and walking meditation can help individuals with diabetes stay active while also promoting relaxation and stress reduction.
5. Blood Sugar Monitoring: Mindfulness can enhance awareness of blood sugar fluctuations and help individuals develop a more intuitive understanding of how their body responds to different foods, activities, and medications. Regular blood sugar monitoring combined with mindfulness can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their diabetes management.(Living Mindfully with Diabetes: Achieving Optimal Health)

Source: https://healthcust.com/