Stress can be a big problem; it affects your health directly by causing fight or flight hormones to flood your bloodstream. In turn, these hormones raise the level of sugar in the blood. However, try as much as you can to get away from the clutches of stress, you will find it. None of us can completely eliminate stress. It’s an unfortunate fact that the more stress you have, the more you’ll feel burned out, unmotivated, and possibly depressed.

Fortunately, managing stress can be easier than you thought. Here’s how you can productively deal with stress…

1. Take a step back and look at the big picture. Often the best way to deal with stress is to take a step back and look at the big picture. Too often we make small things seem like gigantic problems that will ruin our lives.

You need to get away from this kind of thinking. When you take a step back, you may very well realize the problem you were dealing with; It’s not as big as you once thought.

2. Think of solutions. The next step to better deal with stress is to come up with some ways to change your behavior. Many times you can plan to make an effort to avoid situations or people that you know will be stressful. If rush hour driving is stressful for you, make arrangements to travel at a time when traffic is not as busy. Resolve not to let small annoyances turn into significant frustrations.

Once you have three to five solutions in front of you, you will notice that it becomes easier to calm down. You now have a viable solution on your hands, one that you can implement without too much trouble.

3. Know what you can and cannot control. It is also important that you consider what you can and cannot control. If you are stressed about a situation that is completely out of your control, you are simply doing yourself unnecessary damage.

When you invest a large part of yourself in the outcome of another person’s life, you give that event or person a certain amount of power in your life. Focus only on what you can influence and what affects your life.

4. Get some exercise. You may also want to consider going outside for some exercise. Few things combat stress like a good training session. Get your blood pumping and you’ll notice a difference in how you feel afterwards. The fight-or-flight reflex that accompanies stress releases chemicals into the bloodstream. It’s these chemicals that prepare your body for physical activity, so a natural way to relieve stress is to get some exercise.

5. Talk to others. Finally, don’t overlook the value of talking with family and friends. Opening up to friends when your problems are overwhelming can help you gain perspective you might not have considered otherwise. This can often help you see problems from a different angle.

Reducing stress will help you control diabetes because reducing stress can help lower high blood sugar levels. With the right techniques, it’s something that doesn’t have to bother you anymore.