Stress Is Poison

"When you find yourself stressed, ask yourself one question:

Will this matter in 5 years from now?
If yes, then do something about the situation.
If no, then let it go."
~ Catherine Pulsifer

Georgia National Fair - Perry, GA  October 2010

"Stress is poison."  ~ Agavé Powers

Stress affects emotional and physical well-being.  For people with diabetes stress is a double threat because stress is a cause of elevated blood sugars.  Mental, emotional and physical stress all affect blood sugar control.  Stress shifts our focus away from our treatment plan and prevent us from taking care of ourselves.  During periods of stress we "fall off the wagon" and deviate from our healthy meal plans, stop exercising and forget to take our medications.  These factors all contribute to higher blood sugars.  Elevated blood sugars during prolonged periods of stress may necessitate a need to make changes in  our treatment plans if our current treatment plan is not effective to keep our blood sugar levels under good control.  If you have a medical illness, infection or injury you should seek prompt treatment from your health care team.  If you are undergoing emotional or mental stress there are several techniques that you can use to help reduce stress and gain control of your stressful situation.

Stress reduction techniques:  

1. Make changes where changes can be made.  Webmd.com suggest that you develop  simple plans of action to address those situations that cannot be changed and that you ask yourself the following 3 questions:
   • "Will this be important two years from now?"
   • "Do I have control over this situation?"
   • "Can I change my situation?"
2. Exercise
3. Treat yourself
4. Make time for yourself each day, even if only for 15 minutes
5. Recite positive affirmations
6. Join a group or a club which share your interests
7. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation
8. Talk to someone - a friend, a relative, a member of your health care team
9. Seek professional counseling  

For more information visit the following website:  

http://visionsofcontrol.com/StressManagement.aspx