Note: Hope Warshaw, MMSc, RD, CDE is a paid consultant
for Novo Nordisk and wrote this story on behalf of Novo Nordisk
Finding healthy ways to cope is important. Healthy coping
is now considered one of the 7 diabetes self-care behaviors, up there with
healthy eating and being active. Good news: options for healthy coping are
endless!
If you’re on a search for healthy coping tips, first
explore your options. Peruse this short list. Read each option slowly. Take a
moment to visualize integrating the activity into your life. Ask: “Would I
enjoy it? Does it fit my needs? When would I do it? Does it fit my budget? Can
I do it by myself or with a partner?”
- chatting with
a friend or close relative
- meditating
- seeing a silly
movie
- an early
morning, lunch time or late evening walk
- reading a
pleasure book
- going to the
gym
- getting a
massage
- taking a yoga
class or renting or buying a yoga video
- joining a book
club
- learning and
playing a musical instrument
- attending a
religious service or event
- volunteering
in schools, a homeless shelter or for others in need
- attending a
diabetes support group
- keeping a
journal
- cooking a
gourmet meal
- traveling
- trying a new
restaurant
- deep breathing
- visiting a
museum or exhibit
- joining a
chorus or choir
Zero in on a few options that will provide maximum
benefit to help you cope and easily fit into your lifestyle. Move on to others
if these don’t feel right. Let the list trigger other ideas. Be patient with
yourself. Recognize, like many aspects of diabetes self-care, identifying
healthy ways to cope is a continual process. Eventually you’ll find one or more
options that fit you just right. Then, as the years go on, your life and needs
will change. Repeat the process and find new ways to cope. Good luck on your
journey!
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