The holiday season can be stressful and throw us off our normal routine. This can compromise sleep and disrupt usual eating habits. In addition, it can trigger feelings of distress and self-doubt for people with diabetes if blood sugars go outside of goal range.

To help everyone feel their best during this holiday season, we have created a handout that highlights ten strategies to survive the holiday commotion. And even if all ten aren’t possible, just pick one or a few to try out. In addition, we have compiled a list of strategies to help reframe and reset when individuals are experiencing feelings of diabetes distress.

These Cheat Sheets have lots of helpful tips that you can print and share with your friends, participants, and colleagues!

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1. Be a sleep warrior – People living in the United States are chronically underslept. Not getting enough sleep is associated with increased hunger, higher blood sugars, poor concentration, frequent illness, and impaired problem-solving. Make sure to give yourself the gift of at least 7 hours of sleep a night. This sleep will help you make the best choices for your health and will protect against illness and fatigue. You got this.

Goal:  Get at least 7 hours of sleep a night. You deserve it.

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2. Keep active – Holidays can put our exercise plans to the test, but we have a few ideas for you. Take an after-meal stroll instead of plopping on the couch.   After meal walks lower post-meal blood sugars and increases energy by getting muscles activated. Just 10 minutes of walking after meals can make a big difference.  You can even put music on and have a small dance session, anything to get your body moving.

Goal:  Work toward 30 minutes of activity a day. 

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3. Don’t forget the Fiber – With all the snacks and tempting foods, whole healthy foods may take a back seat. Enjoy the abundance of seasonal vegetables, fruits, nuts, and grains that are fiber-rich and that decrease inflammation.  Examples include; yams, squash, mandarin oranges, almonds, pistachios, quinoa, kale, brown rice, warm oatmeal, salads, and broth-based soups.

Goal:  Strive to eat at least 25gms of fiber a day.

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4. Enjoy the ultimate beverage – H20. Water is the perfect way to keep hydrated, replenished, and keeps appetite in check. Add a splash of flavor with a jigger of fruit juice or fresh cucumbers, lime slices, or a sprig of rosemary.  Be creative. Sparkling waters come in a vast variety of flavors, are calorie-free, and contain no artificial sweeteners.

Goal:  Keep hydrated by enjoying plenty of water.

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5. Keep an eye on alcohol – While it’s true that red wine offers a beneficial anti-inflammatory compound called resveratrol, drinking too much alcohol can lead to unintended outcomes.  Studies show that we make poorer food choices if alcohol is on board. This can offer special challenges in party settings, where temptations are abundant. A drink of alcohol contains about 100 calories and mixed drinks have even more. In addition, alcohol can lead to low blood sugars, especially for those taking insulin or sulfonylureas.

Goal:  Limit alcohol to one drink a day for women, two drinks a day for men.

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6. You are already sweet enough – Holidays and sugar go hand in hand. If possible, try and eat less than 6 teaspoons of added sugar (does not include natural sugars found in fruit and milk). This goal may not be realistic on all days, but aim for success most of the time.  Excess sugar intake can cause inflammation and buildup of fat in the liver. One strategy is to limit sugar intake during the day and save your 6 teaspoons for that special dessert or parties.  When looking at labels, it is helpful to know that 1 teaspoon equals 4 gms of sugar.

Goal: Limit sugar to 6 teaspoons a day.

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7. Your teeth need extra special attention – Taking care of our teeth and gums improves health. Gum inflammation is associated with blood vessel inflammation. Swollen gums can also lead to an increase in blood sugars. During the holidays, find time for regular oral hygiene. Your mouth (and dental team) will thank you.

Goal: Brush teeth at twice daily and floss at least once daily.

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8. Keep connected to friends and family who love you just the way you are! – As enjoyable as holidays can be, reuniting with family can also cause stress and stir-up emotions. Feeling out of sorts can lead to stress eating and decrease self-care.  If possible, reach out to a trusted friend to share your feelings or keep a holiday journal. Consider bringing a favorite book along during your travels that you find inspiring and comforting.  Give yourself permission to steal away for some quiet time.

Goal: Self-care is important during the holidays.

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9. Enjoy an Oxygen Cocktail – Studies show that when humans venture into natural outdoor settings, heart rate and blood pressure improve. Take a moment to appreciate the feeling of the air on your skin, take a deep breath of fresh air, try to find nests in leafless trees, listen to the animal sounds and bird songs and just enjoy that moment.

Goal: Step into nature daily.

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10.   Take inventory of things that you are grateful for – Find a moment each day to reflect on a few things that brought you joy or good feelings. Maybe it was your cousin who lent you her favorite sweater.  Or an Aunt who gave you the best hug.  Special moments with a best friend or an after-dinner walk enjoying the fall leaves.  These small moments of connection and beauty are one of the most treasured gifts of the holiday season that linger in our hearts and memory long after we say our goodbyes.

Goal: Take note of special moments.

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Click here to download 10 Steps to Survive the Holidays PDF – a great handout that includes the info above to print and share with your friends, patients, and colleagues!

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