Rest for good blood sugars?

Today was unusual for me in that I did not have anything scheduled. For months now my life has been so busy as I rush around each day often to many healthcare appointments as I try to heal both from my frozen shoulder and the car accident I was in a few months ago in addition to the busyness of my regularly scheduled appointments and life.

I had BIG plans today to get through my entire to-do list. Instead however, I simply rested. Was it intentional? Not necessarily. I woke up with a bad headache and felt very tired. So I hung out a LOT on the couch with my dog Jonah. We even took a 90 minute nap together this afternoon.. Just me with two cozy down blankets and warm cuddly dog pressed up against my side. Bliss!

And, this is a little embarrassing to admit, but.. I never got dressed. That’s right. I’m still sitting in my PJ’s and it is 7:30pm at night! This is why if you saw the funny pic I shared a few hours ago on Diabetes Light’s Facebook page about being super lazy— it really fits for me today, maybe a little too much!!

Here it is for those of you that did not see it. Love this!!

 Photo credit: Facebook page, A Beautiful Mess Inside

I have a question though. Why do we sometimes feel guilty for days like this? Why in taking a day to rest and take care of my body do I have to feel like I am lazy or doing something wrong? Do you feel this way sometimes too? This kind of thinking is unfortunate.

I participated in a very informative health conference by phone last evening with a physician who talked about restoring resilience. I highly recommend taking the time to listen to this powerful lecture if you are able. Here is a link to the conference which thankfully was recorded because I was thinking as I listened that the information presented would be helpful for our community.

The Purposeful Intention Empowerment Series with Dr. Henry Emmons. Conference title: Restoring Resilience: Blending Science and Wisdom to Sustain a Healthy Body, Heart and Mind.

In this lecture, Dr. Emmons (author of the well-known book, The Chemistry of Joy) said that we should have one day of rest each week and if that is not possible, even a few hours or 30 minutes at a minimum. This wisdom has been held across the centuries in all faith traditions and seems to have been lost lately in our busy rush-rush world.

How many of you take take some time to slow down at least one day each week? We often think of physical activity or exercise as the best way to achieve the diabetes control we desire. But what if it is through purposeful rest each week that our bodies are truly able to restore and thrive?

After today, I am truly sold on the idea of scheduled rest at least one day a week. My blood sugars are HAPPY and my body is singing it’s praises. It is a good lesson learned to put my to-do list on hold and make time to just rest and relax. And all of the extra time with Jonah is just a bonus.

How often do you allow yourself a day or even few hours of rest? Do you ever have pajama days too? How does purposeful rest affect your blood sugars?

Peace & Light,

Cynthia

I welcome you to join our positive community at Diabetes Light on Facebook where I share stories, pictures and fun each day for a healthy body, mind and spirit! You can also find us on Twitter @diabeteslight. I look forward to seeing you there!