Living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) can be an ongoing source of stress and heightened vigilance. Continuously monitoring your CGMs, fearing sudden lows, and constantly worrying about making the right choices can create a persistent feeling of impending crisis.
Next time you’re feeling stressed, here are three simple ways to create more calm…
1. Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose
- Improves sleep quality
- Relieves tired legs and feet
- Reduces swelling and improves circulation
- Calms the nervous system
- Stretches hamstrings and lower back
- Relieves mild backache
- Aids in digestion
- Promotes relaxation and stress relief
- Provides relief from menstruation and menopause symptoms
2. Bilateral Stimulation (Ball Toss)
- This technique involves stimulating both sides of the brain to stop anxiety
- Grab a ball, ipad case, water bottle, or anything you have on hand.
- Simply pass the object back and forth, from one hand to the other, crossing the middle of the body, stimulating both sides of the brain
- Do this for a few minutes until you can feel the anxiety calming down
- Repeat as necessary
- Technique compliments of @Melissatiers
3. Breathing longer on the exhale
- Pausing for a slow, deep breath activates the nervous system response, improves oxygen flow, and diverts focus from stress.
- Take a slow deep inhale, a momentary pause, and a prolonged exhale
- “The fastest way to reduce your stress in real-time is called “Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia”. What you need to do is make your exhales longer and/or more vigorous than your inhales.” ― Dr. Andrew Huberman
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