Feel better in 5
Big changes start with simple steps. Try these ideas to help improve your wellbeing
1 CHECK YOUR CONNECTIONS
Third on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a sense of belonging – and although this is a necessity not everyone has it. The key to achieving this basic need is through good friendships. While you may think some of the people in your life are good friends, there are times they make you feel frustrated and lonely when you realise they only call on you when they need something. More often than not, these relationships are more draining than purposeful.
If this is the case, it’s time to reevaluate those in your circle. Healthy friendships allow you to be your authentic self and they should be supportive and accepting of your diabetes and your goals… even on your bad days. Having good friends helps to reduce stress, loneliness and social isolation, increases physical and emotional support, and overall helps you to become a better person.
Looking for new friends? Head to a hobby class, community event or volunteering opportunity – you never know who you might connect with.
2 MENTAL HEALTH CHECK
Are you concerned about your mental health or the mental health of those around you? You’re not alone. A new Uswitch study has revealed mental health is Australia’s biggest health concern. This study concluded 75 per cent of mobile users increased the usage of health apps during 2020, with apps Headspace and Calm being the two most popular. While health apps like these play an important role in tracking wellbeing, they have also increased the ability to stay focused and accountabile for achieving goals.
Not tech savvy? Start with writing down a realistic and specific goal - such as “meditate for 10 minutes every day” - on a piece of paper that can be placed in constant sight (such as on your fridge, your door or your mirror). If possible, get a friend or loved one to hold you accountable by checking in daily or weekly on your goal.
3 STREEEEEEETCH!
There’s more to stretching than rolling out of bed lifting your arms up. In fact, a 10 minute stretch has the ability to help more than you may think. Every time you feel your eyes glazing over, or your mind is racing too much, it’s time to take a break from your screen or from work, step away from the task at hand and take a moment to stretch. As we age, our joints lose their range of motion, and the poor posture that comes with a sedentary lifestyle doesn’t help. Stretching improves this range, and further increases your circulation (blood flow) and muscle length, while decreasing muscle tightness and pain. Plus, stretching makes every day tasks – such as squatting to sit down or stand up – much easier.
Not sure where to start? A physiotherapist can provide you with relevant exercises to increase your range of motion. But keep in mind, stretching should never be painful. If it is, talk to your physio.
4 COUNT THE SMALL WINS
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or a diabetes-veteran, diabetes is a tricky beast. However, it is important to keep a positive note on your ability to manage your diabetes and look after yourself in order to reduce the risk of burning out. Whether you have a large win (such as staying within range during a busy week) or a small win (you remembered to check your BGLs), it is important to celebrate it.
Celebrating the small wins increases your confidence as it proves what you are capable of. It is also important to remember that the success of your bigger goals don’t happen overnight, and while it can take a while to reach it, it’s focusing on those smaller achievements that will help you to move forward and get your mind and body in a good place.
5 TIME TO CLEAN UP
Are you feeling overwhelmed by all your “things”, as well as your diabetes? Then you may need to declutter. When you have an overabundance of possessions, it can impact you on a psychological level, more than you may realise. Psychologists from Princeton University found that clutter reduces your ability to focus on a given task; while researchers at the University of Navarra found that volunteers in a messy environment to input data were more likely to make more mistakes than those in a tidy environment. This doesn’t just translate to work-oriented tasks, but it can impact your personal life too with errors potentially being made with regards to your diabetes. Watch Tidying Up with Marie Kondo or Get Organized with The Home Edit, both on Netflix for inspiration. ■