Nowadays, feeling stressed is almost a given, especially in unpredictable times. This is even more significant for those managing diabetes, as stress can negatively affect blood sugar control.
Wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen emphasizes that chronic stress can lead to serious health issues like high blood pressure and mental health struggles such as depression and anxiety.
Additionally, stress can manifest as irritation or anger, affecting our interactions and relationships, notes Dr. Karmel Choi, a clinical psychologist at Harvard Medical School.
Finding happiness and managing stress is about achieving balance and being able to handle life’s challenges, according to Dr. Monica Vermani, a clinical psychologist based in Toronto. She advocates for prioritizing self-care to start the new year right.
Here are five practical steps to manage stress effectively:
Remember to Play
Adult life doesn’t mean you have to give up on play. Engaging in playful activities is crucial for coping with stress and enhancing life satisfaction. A study involving nearly 900 university students revealed that those who engaged in playful activities experienced lower stress levels and were more adept at employing healthy coping mechanisms.
Reflect on activities you enjoyed as a child or any new hobbies you’ve discovered. Identifying your “play personality” with quizzes, like those offered by the National Institute of Play, can guide you in incorporating more play into your life.
Relax with Some Downtime
Contrary to wellness trends, sometimes the best way to unwind is to do something seemingly mindless, like watching TV. Dr. Victoria Garfield points out that leisure activities can be beneficial for those who struggle with turning off their thoughts and find mindfulness practices challenging.
However, it’s important to avoid screen time at least an hour before bedtime to ensure it doesn’t interfere with your sleep, which is crucial for effective stress management.
