For health professionals 
The effects of stress are no secret to anyone: the body releases hormones that are directly responsible for a spike in blood glucose. It’s also common knowledge that depression is more common in people living with diabetes. And when you’re tense and tired, you are less motivated to manage your blood glucose. This creates a vicious circle that’s hard to escape from.
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Paradoxically, when you feel time is too tight is when it’s most important for you to take some away for your personal use.
Taking a good break renews your energy reserves. And when you’re worn out and too tired to go jogging or practice an intense sport, even light exercise is a breath of fresh air. That’s why tai chi and yoga for example are so useful. You can also decide to practice meditation, which has its own set of benefits.
The point is to improve your quality of life, both physically and psychologically.
The immediate benefit of meditation is that it allows you to take a step back from what’s troubling you. Over the long term, this practice reinforces coping strategies and resistance to stress and anxiety.
Someone who meditates regularly will be more likely to keep eating well and managing their blood glucose properly when a stressful situation occurs.
Accordingly, meditation also helps reduce hypertension and the risk of cardiovascular disease, among other things.
Everyone is always singing the praises of sport, but naturally, not everyone wants to be a triathlete or a mountain climber. Choose your activities based on your abilities and interests. For example, try aquafitness or hiking — or just take a walk in your neighborhood!
Yoga is a physical and mental discipline that originated in India and adapts well to all body types and abilities. In addition to improving muscle tone and flexibility, yoga involves some meditation through breath control.
Another benefit of yoga is that you can practice it at the gym or in a park as part of a group session, or — if you ever need a bit of peace and quiet — on the beach, in your backyard or in your living room.
According to some studies, yoga not only helps alleviate anxiety and depression, but also improves digestion, blood circulation and the effectiveness of your immune system.
As great as that may sound, yoga is still a physical activity, and so, it’s best to consult your healthcare professional before dedicating your body and soul to practicing it. Also, remember to measure and record your blood glucose levels before and after each session.
A healthy mind in a healthy body is your best tool for meeting the challenges of everyday life!
References:
Diabetes Canada (2019). Exercising with diabetes complications, Part 1. Retrieved from: https://www.diabetes.ca/publications-newsletters/diabetes-current-newsletter/diabetes-current-archive/diabetes-current-july-2014/healthy-living/7-things-you-need-to-know-about-exercising-with-di. Accessed May 17 2021.
Diabetes Canada (2019). Using the power of your body & mind. Retrieved from: https://www.diabetes.ca/managing-my-diabetes/stories/using-the-power-of-your-body---mind. Accessed May 17 2021.
Diabetes.co.uk (2019). Diabetes and Yoga. Retrieved from: http://www.diabetes.co.uk/yoga-and-diabetes.html. Accessed May 17 2021.
Diabetes.co.uk (2019). Diabetes and Mindfulness. Retrieved from: http://www.diabetes.co.uk/emotions/diabetes-and-mindfulness.html. Accessed May 17 2021.
Diabetes Québec (2018). Stress and diabetes. Retrieved from: https://www.diabete.qc.ca/en/living-with-diabetes/psychology/the-stress/le-stress-et-le-diabete/. Accessed May 17 2021.
Diabetes Québec (2021). The benefits of physical activity. Retrieved from: http://www.diabete.qc.ca/en/living-with-diabetes/physical-activity/benefits/the-benefits-of-physical-activity. Accessed May 17 2021.
Passeport Santé (2018). Méditation. Retrieved from: http://www.passeportsante.net/fr/Therapies/Guide/Fiche.aspx?doc=meditation_th. Accessed May 17 2021.