Diabetes Burnout? I’ve never heard the term “burnout” used in connection to diabetes. It makes sense though!
I read an article today by Catherine Price, a journalist who has diabetes and saw myself all over the page. Maybe that’s my problem. I hear myself complaining (in my own head, and sometimes to others) that I’m so sick of it, Why me? I just want a piece of cake, or pizza, or bread. I don’t want to exercise. Waaa, waaa! I actually bore myself with this whining and complaining.
Price has a good point. She suggests treating diabetes burnout by removing “junk” (things we need to do) from other areas of our life. By doing this, we’d make more “mental space” available to take care of the diabetes without feeling overwhelmed. I thought about it.
One of the worst self-inflicted stressors in my life is procrastination. I can put off doing just about anything, paying my bills in a timely fashion, emptying the garbage, food shopping, gardening, all of which, shortens deadlines, adds more stressors AND fills up my head with “shoulds.” In other words, procrastination leads to negativity. If I stopped procrastinating about even just ONE area of my life, and completed that task on time, I’d have less stress and more room to be able to do the “right thing in managing my diabetes” — thus, I wouldn’t feel so overwhelmed (which leads to neglect of my diabetes). Good idea!
Because diabetes requires constant management, it’s never-ending. Of course there are times when we feel overwhelmed — I sure feel it — it’s exhausting, and sometimes I just don’t want to “play” anymore! Feeling bad about it is okay every once in awhile. I just know that I can’t wallow around in that pond anymore, no good will come from that.
Price says to “nurture yourself.” She’s right, we all deserve it. Take the time to do something that will make YOU feel good. Schedule it into your calendar. My choice is a massage, sheer heaven. But if you’re not comfortable with that, plan something shorter. Take a walk, drive to the beach, breathe in that sea air. 30-minutes of self-care will reset your attitude. You’ll feel better, more in control. By arranging/scheduling breathing space into your non-diabetic life, you’ll realize that not every second has to be focused on diabetes. 15 – 30 minutes spent meditating or practicing yoga is time well spent. Ahhh. Relief. Sounds good, doesn’t it? Maybe you’re ahead of the game and you’re already doing it. If not, what have you got to lose.
I started chair yoga about 6 weeks ago. Because of an arm injury, I’m unable to practice “regular” yoga, so I took this route. It’s been wonderful — every Wednesday for one hour!
Catherine Price seems to have a good handle on diabetes burnout. Click on diabetes burnout for the complete article.
Diary of a Dedicated Diabetic 