7 ways to cut stress when you have diabetes

No one needs added stress to deal with. But it can be especially difficult when you have diabetes, too. Here are a few ways to reduce your stress and manage your diabetes better.

Pet ownership is known to lower blood pressure, reduce stress and make people feel less lonely. Exactly how do people benefit from their relationships with pets? That's not known for sure. But scientists suspect this bond fulfills a human need to be close to other living beings.

Researchers say that regularly practising your faith can pay off not just emotionally, but also physically. Researchers suspect that people who attend a place of worship regularly benefit from a strong social network and encouragement.

Some of the happiest, most successful people have met with a therapist, counsellor or psychologist to get them through stressful times. Check with your doctor or certified diabetes educator. They may be able to recommend a counsellor who has experience in dealing with issues related to diabetes.

Did you know having close friends can actually help control diabetes? Having people around you who care about you could encourage you to stick to your disease management efforts.

Friends who care about you are encouraging workout partners. And they will keep your dietary needs in mind when they invite you over for dinner. When you have a strong emotional support system, you have a greater sense of identity — within a community and as an individual. This helps you manage whatever emotional difficulties life throws your way a little easier.

Want to be around for your granddaughter's wedding in 20 years? Put her smiling face on your fridge. Looking forward to retiring with your spouse and driving an RV cross-country? Grab a magazine and cut out a picture of an RV like the one you want. Post it and imagine yourself in it every day. The extra motivation could be just the thing to keep you from letting stress get the best of you.

There are hundreds of people in your community who need you. Helping them could help you in ways you've never imagined. The most important thing you'll get from volunteering is perspective. It can remind you that diabetes, in the grand scope of things, is not as big a burden to bear as what some others have to endure.

Volunteering at a soup kitchen or coaching a youth basketball group at a homeless shelter will not only lend perspective, it may get you moving around more! More exercise is always a good thing.

Do you have too much on your to-do list, and not enough time in which to do it? Let everything go — the errands, laundry and whatever else is causing you stress — for the next seven days.

When you see life goes on even if you don't pick up your dry cleaning or dust your vertical blinds, you'll have a new perspective. Maybe it's not worth it to drive yourself crazy trying to get it all done.

Of course, try not to eliminate chores like going to the grocery store. You'll still need to eat!