Understanding what our bodies are attempting to tell us is an essential step on the path to better health. While obviously we can’t directly hear what our body is saying, if we pay attention, there are many signs that our body uses to communicate.
Your body is constantly communicating with you.
Get in tune with it.
Listening to your body is especially important as a person navigating type 2 diabetes. Make a note if you’ve noticed any of these common physiological signs that something might not be quite right:
- Poor sleep quality
- Increased fatigue
- Increased weight
- Increased waist circumference
- Increased hunger
- Increased acne
- Increased time for wound healing
- Increased frequency of urination
It is important to keep in mind that the signals listed above may be due to other reasons as well. If you are experiencing any abnormal symptoms always consult your treating health care provider.
By learning how to recognize these indicators, you will be better able to associate them with what is happening in your body and stay in control of your metabolic health.
Take note of what your body is telling you.
Based on the above signs, it may help to reflect and take note of what your body is telling you. The following list describes questions you can ask yourself to help be aware and stay in tune with your body.
Try going for a 30-minute walk after a meal. Reflect on how you felt after completing your walk .
- Was it easy to get your pulse to slow down? (Can use an activity tracker if you have one, otherwise two fingers on your wrist works well.) Observe right after the walk and again 20 minutes later.
- How did you feel after your walk? Did you feel exhilarated or tired?
- How long did it take you to stop feeling tired?
How was your day?
- Did you have any moments of high stress?
- What induced the stress and how did you react?
- Were you able to calm yourself down?
- What could you try next time?
How did you feel after eating today?
- Did you feel tired or experience feelings of fatigue or weakness?
- What did you eat and how much did you eat?
- Where were you eating? A desk, table, work, home?
- Did you eat at a new time than usual?
- Did you eat with anyone?
- Reflect on what this could be telling you about your food choices.
How was your sleep last night?
- Did you have to take many trips to the restroom?
- How did you feel upon waking? Cheerful, well rested, groggy, or irritable?
- Why do you think this is and how can you be better in tune with what your body is telling you from your sleep?
Brainstorming about the above experiences can have a big impact on how you understand your body and the effects your type 2 diabetes has on it. Give it a go! And if something doesn’t feel right, you should always check with your health provider.
Jul. 14 2021