People living with diabetes can improve their lifestyle habits to make it easier to manage the disease. Here are some ways that a little outdoor activity can help.
November 14, 2014
People living with diabetes can improve their lifestyle habits to make it easier to manage the disease. Here are some ways that a little outdoor activity can help.
The great outdoors can be helpful for all kinds of ailments, diabetes included. When the weather is nice, you can get outside to play team sports like volleyball or tennis, or take a walk or a bike ride around your neighbourhood. Even when the weather is chilly and brisk, you can still find ways to get a little sunshine and exercise outside, like shovelling snow.
Sunshine and vitamin D have been shown to improve people's moods since time immemorial. If you have the ability to, try to get outside for at least 30 minutes of sunshine and exercise every day. It's easier to deal with diabetes when you feel more positive and energetic.
Being cooped up inside all day means you're breathing in whatever dust and allergens might be in the air in your house. Fresh air, on the other hand, helps you sustain healthy brain functions and cleaner lungs. It's also good for your cells, which help to manage diabetes.
If you have any aches and pains, or are feeling irritable or low on energy, getting outside can distract you from it all. If you're involved in outdoor activities or can get away to a place where you can enjoy nature, such as a park, cabin, or lake, you'll avoid the tendency to dwell on the hard parts of dealing with diabetes and feel happy about the good things in life.
Any kind of activity is good for your blood glucose levels. Try monitoring your levels before you head outdoors and then after you're done walking, hiking, or playing a sport. You'll probably see an improvement in your blood glucose, which means you're seeing an immediate benefit of exercise.
Managing diabetes doesn't mean you can't still have fun and enjoy life. The American Diabetes Association recommends getting at least 30 minutes of exercise each day in order to improve not only your physical health, but also your mood. Getting outdoors is a great way to incorporate exercise into your daily routine and ensure that you have a long and healthy life.
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