Health Tip: Balance Stress and Your Blood Sugar Level, Too

As fun and festive as it can be, holiday planning can be awfully stressful. When you have diabetes, in addition to monitoring your diabetic diet, you want to keep stress to a minimum. According to the American Diabetes Association, mental stress can increase your blood sugar level. This holiday season practice these relaxation techniques:

• Exercise: Physical activity, particularly stretching, can relax the body and mind.
   
• Take deep breaths: At least once a day, breathe in and out, relaxing your muscles for 5 to up to 20 minutes at a time.
   
• Think positive thoughts: Think of things that make you feel good. Replace negative thinking with positive affirmations as often as you can.