Have a 'Stress Less' Holiday

Contributed by Fit4D Nutrition Coach
Maria Curcio, MS, RD, CDE

The holidays are a busy time of additional activities that can make it easy to fall out of the routine of taking care of your diabetes. This added stress can raise blood sugar levels so it’s important to remember that diabetes care is always worth the few extra minutes to protect your most important asset – your health. With a little planning and prioritizing you can enjoy the holidays and take care of yourself.

Acknowledge & Identify Sources of Stress
Acknowledging stress is normal, and knowing its cause is necessary before a solution can be identified. Several potential sources of stress could include:

• Social - visiting families and friends, more events to attend than usual
• Finances – job loss, pay cut, additional purchases of food and gifts
• Physical demands – the notion that you need to do everything, so that you never have time for your health needs

Prioritize. The holidays create additional activities and expense. Continue your diabetes self-care routine by scheduling it into your day. Make sure that you have an adequate supply of testing supplies and medication before spending money on holiday extras.

Develop a realistic plan and budget. Plan a budget and be realistic as to what can be accomplished with the time, resources and finances at your disposal. When possible prepare meals ahead of time. Following a plan and budget can also help reduce duplication of expenses, errands and multiple trips.

Maintain your healthy habits. Choose healthy foods and enjoy calorie-dense foods in moderation. Schedule several minutes of physical activity everyday, and get enough sleep, too.

Remember that the holidays are a special time of celebration with family and friends. After you’ve done what you could, be able to laugh at life’s inevitable surprises!