Session Focus
Managing stress can help you prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.
This session we will talk about:
- Some causes of stress
- The link between stress and type 2 diabetes
- Some ways to reduce stress
- Some healthy ways to cope with stress
You will also make a new action plan!
Tips:
Barbara’s Story
Barbara is 45 years old. She feels pulled in all directions. Her children are still in high school. Her father has bad health problems. Plus, Barbara works full time and is divorced.
Barbara’s doctor tells her she’s at risk for type 2 diabetes. He urges her to lose weight by eating well and getting active.
Barbara sighs. To her, taking care of herself is just one more thing to do.
When you feel stressed, you may feel:
- Angry
- Annoyed
- Anxious
- Confused
- Impatient
- Sad
- Worried
You may also have:
- Aching head, back, or neck
- Racing heartbeat
- Tight muscles
- Upset stomach
To make herself feel better after her doctor visit, Barbara goes home and eats a lot of ice cream.
When you feel stressed, you may:
- Drink too much alcohol
- Forget things
- Put off doing the things you need to do
- Rush around without getting much done
- Sleep too little, too much, or both
- Smoke
- Take too much medicine
- Work too much
You may also:
- Make unhealthy choices about eating or drinking
- Slack off on fitness goals
- Spend too much time watching TV or videos or using the computer
Barbara has trouble saying “no.” So she ends up doing things she doesn’t really want or need to do.
For instance, when she goes shopping with her kids, they often beg her to buy things. Usually, she caves in to their demands, just to make them stop. This makes Barbara feel stressed.
Barbara decides to get better at saying “no.” The next time she goes shopping with her kids, they beg her to buy ice cream. This time, she says “NO!” And she holds firm. She’s so proud of herself!
Ways to Reduce Stress
There’s no surefire way to prevent stress. But there are ways to make your life less stressful. Try these tips.
Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress
Feeling stressed? Put down the cookies! Instead, try these healthy ways to cope with stress.
