The Allure of Routine
Is it helpful? Let's examine...
Routine.
It’s an oft-touted strategy in diabetes management.
“You just need to get on a better routine.”
Which is great. If you never get sick. Or your kids never get sick. Or you never travel. Or have a special occasion. Or do, you know, anything different.
And on top of that, does it work? We all know the old adage, “You can eat the same thing two days in a row and get different results.”
My March was like that. It was spring break, so my oldest was off school and my parents visited. Then I went on a two day business trip to Florida to speak about mental health and diabetes. And immediately upon my return: both my kids got norovirus.
Routine actually is really helpful in a lot of areas in our life. There is a lot of evidence about how supportive it can be during stressful times. It can help us deal with anxiety and supports our mental health.
But we also know that in diabetes management, having a strict routine — rigid limitations — can also be harmful. One reason is that routines cement habits, both good and bad. Another reason is that it makes us less adaptable when something unpredictable happens, and that stresses us out.
If we can’t completely get rid our routine, but we can’t rely on it fully either, what’s left? We need a flexible routine.
So what could that look like? A few things to consider.
Practice radical acceptance of the unexpected.
Just from an awareness standpoint, if we know and emotionally prepare and accept that things may shift and move, it can help us to stay nimble. It can ease some of the shock, anxiety and overall discomfort when something goes awry.
Have foundational habits.
Having flexible routine doesn’t mean not doing our normal activities, it just means we know how to compassionately make adjustments. Habits like checking in with our BG and making corrections, carb count and dosing (even if it’s not something we normally eat), and getting some movement in supports our resilience through turbulent times. But food we are carb counting for might be different or how long we can get movement in may need adjustment.
Observe and prepare.
Although some “out of routine” moment can be difficult to fully predict, we can get better at observing in the moment (aka mindfulness) of what could have been helpful so we can prepare for next time.
Whether that’s increasing your skills around carb counting and dosing strategies, or maybe it’s overcoming fears about taking a certain amount of insulin, working on the overall goal of being more adaptable is an ongoing process.
We build these adaptations into our overall diabetes routine so they don’t feel so scary and foreign when they happen.
It reminds me a bit of ride on a subway or surfing (hat tip to Sugar Surfing). The waves or the train move and turn in ways that are unpredictable.
But your own inner strength and maneuverability is what keeps you from falling over.
You aren’t given a heads up about what is going to happen next, but that’s okay.
Your core is strong.
If you need support strengthening your core, may I suggest enrolling in my self-paced course Diabetes Decoded, or even getting 1-on-1 coaching support to develop and strengthen your skills. Then you can withstand anything.
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BTW - we are now just 4 weeks away from the 2023 Diabetes + Mental Health Conference. This entirely virtual conference takes place May 5-6. And if you already have plans, never fear, the conference is recorded!
Our 3 keynotes, 10 breakout sessions and panel on the emotional toll of stigma and shame will be available for 30 days after the event, as well as our exhibit hall.
Our keynotes this year: Dr. Mark Heyman will be delivered the main keynote address, and our welcome keynote is Mila Clarke and our closing keynote is Adam Brown.
Working on your mental health is another excellent way to focus on building resiliency for the stress and unpredictability of diabetes.
We look forward to seeing you there!