Stress

While trying to think of a good subject for today's blog post I thought about stress. Stress is a key factor in many  health issues. High Blood pressure? Your probably stressed... Stomachache? More than likely stress! I am not diabetic myself but my mother is. I notice a change when she checks her sugar when she is stressed. My mom keeps her blood sugar under control most of the time but sometimes she is so stressed that her numbers get pretty high.

When it comes to stress find out what works best for you to wind down. I found out for me the other day that when I'm stressed a nice little shopping trip (even window shopping) works wonders. I also have a me day where I focus on at home spa treatments or anything like that. Some men like to watch or even play sports to de-stress themselves. The possibilities are endless. Try your best to breath. Squeeze a stressball, anything to help you and your blood sugar count.

To help my mom I usually try telling her funny stories to calm her down. Stress is a killer, try not to let it get to you...

http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/llw/stressquiz.html

http://www.geeksugar.com/Fun-Websites-Help-You-De-Stress-11242953

http://www.geeksugar.com/Fun-Websites-Help-You-Destress-11155291

Above are some websites that I found that might help with de-stressing and make you laugh just a little! Enjoy them!

After doing a bit of research at the CARES office there is a brochure here titled: "Stress: Your survival guide" These brochures are from the "Regional Prevention Center of Comprehend, Inc." in Maysville, Kentucky.

They give the following website from Stress assessments and information: http://www.webmd.com and say to search stress for resources.

Go to: http://www.bbc.co.uk/apps/ifl/health/gigaquiz?infile=stress_quiz&path=stress_test

http://health.discovery.com/centers/stress/balancing/stress/assessment.html

Stress can effect many things and cause many more. I think we're aware that stress can cause: Poor judgement, personality changes, hostility and anger, depression, and anxiety disorders.

Chronic stress could cause: insomnia, ulcers or other stomach problems (for example stress brought out more of my symptoms of my non-functioning gallbladder before it was removed), Frequent constipation or diarrhea,  Inability to focus or concentrate, nervousness, trembling and inappropriate sweating, headaches, significant unintended weight gain or loss, substance cause, and heart disease, and while it is not mentioned diabetes is in fact effected when stress comes in to play.

Tips on dealing with it from this brochure are: Be decisive, manage your time, manage your commitments, communicate, know what matters, balance your life and avoid excess...anything. Some more ways to deal with it are Laugh and cry, talk have fun, and RELAX. Some things that will also help with diabetes AND dealing with stress is to Sleep better and exercise.

The final thought from the brochure and myself is to "Tame the tiger" I get tired of people telling me to relax and take it easy so I'm sure you do to...but in order to take care of yourself trying to control your stress level is important. Remember you are not alone in this! We're doing this together.