9 simple things to cheer you up

Scientists don't know why, but diabetes makes people more prone to depression. Try these nine simple tricks to help cheer yourself up. If symptoms persist, make sure to see your doctor.

• The refreshing aroma of citrus has been found in studies to boost mood and reduce anxiety.

You can find aromatherapy oils in health food stores, or look for citrus-scented potpourri, candles or incense sticks in gift stores. Keep several small bowls around your house.

• It sounds trite, but it can really work. If you're used to wearing beige, gray or black, pull out a shirt that's red or lime green and wear it all day.

Other people will perceive a more positive attitude in you, and their perceptions can actually "colour" your real mood for the brighter!

Deep breathing elicits a relaxation response in your body.

• Counteract the tendency to take short, shallow breaths by pretending that there's a candle in front of you.
• Take a slow deep breath in, then exhale slowly and completely to blow it out. Repeat three to five times.

Nature's a proven stress reliever and mood booster, and there's no need to go farther than your own backyard to get the benefits.

• Pick up and examine a pretty leaf or flower, or watch a sparrow hopping about.

Anytime something's eating at you — you're irritable, feeling sad or can't shake a feeling of doom — stop and ask yourself if you are hungry, angry, lonely or tired (HALT).

• If it's been too long since your last meal, you might be irritable because your blood sugar is low.
• If it's anger you're feeling, you need to pinpoint why you're upset so you can work through it.
• Lonely? Call a friend.
• Finally, have you been getting enough sleep? Being overly fatigued can throw off your mood.

• Rosemary and peppermint are two plants that have been shown to perk you up, with a nice bonus of dampening appetite.
• Lavender is known to have a calming effect.

Plant these herbs in your yard and take cuttings to keep in a small glass of water in your kitchen, where you can drink in their aromas.

You will have days when you just don't want to have diabetes. That's completely normal.

• It's when you closet your feelings without addressing them that they eventually get bigger.
• If no one is around, be your own best friend.
• Grab a piece of paper and write a letter or send an email to yourself. What would you say to someone who was feeling like you are? Be kind, gentle and supportive.

Are you feeling scared that something terrible might happen because of your diabetes? Don't let a vague sense of anxiety eat you away.

• Figure out — specifically — what you're afraid of and write it down in black and white so you can look at it objectively.
• Then ask yourself how likely this scenario really is and what concrete steps you can take to prevent it. Your diabetes educator can help you put your finger on both.

Write down a list of things that you like about yourself. Keep adding to your list whenever you of a positive quality. Include things you are good at doing like knitting, cooking or telling jokes. If someone compliments you, add it.

• On those days when you feel like diabetes is getting the better of you, pull out your list.
• Reviewing it will remind you that you are not your disease, and that having diabetes doesn't mean you're a failure.