Driven to Distraction

We know that extra stress on Kitty can result in higher blood sugars and other side effects that come from having diabetes. As a human, you are not immune to physical stress effects either. If you have ever had an anxiety or panic attack, you know exactly what I mean. Kitty is also very perceptive. They notice their humans are stressed, and they start looking for the reason or just flat out hide for protection. Kitty is wired by nature to spot danger, hide their weaknesses, and protect themselves in various ways. When there is a lot of household stress, we put Kitty into that mode, and the same thing can happen with us lowly humans. In order for us to take care of Kitty and get through all of this “stuff” going on, we must learn to take care of ourselves as well as our fur babies. Who else are they going to rely on?

First, turn off the news and stay off social media political posts. I avoid all news except for a limited amount of time per week. Most people likely don’t need to go that far, but it has been upsetting enough for me that it has affected others around me, and a new limited schedule was the best thing for the situation.

Second, have some serious playtime with Kitty with some of their favorite toys. In my opinion, there is no better stress relief than watching Kitty jump all over the place chasing and playing with their favorite toys. You can see their dilated eyes and feel their excitement. It is fun and very comforting. It is a chance for you to be free of all the bad stuff. After all, it is hard to think about much else when you are smiling and laughing whilst playing and diving across the bed after a string or other fun item. My kitties get super excited when I grab a toy and sit on the floor because they know it is serious play time now. They all show up at that point (unless they are sleeping, don’t feel like it, or just have decided to watch from afar).

Third, go outside if possible. Even with COVID going around, we can at least pop our head out the door, sit on a balcony or porch, and just get some fresh air. Even if you are in a cold climate, a few minutes are all it takes to feel a bit more refreshed. The advantage of the cold air is that, again, you are not going to think about much else except the cold (ha ha).

Fourth, if you are feeling isolated because of being stuck at home more often or all the time, call an old friend, your mom, your kids, or even that distant cousin who is a little odd but funny as anything. Simply talking to another person can be of huge benefit and helps us feel more connected. We are social beings after all. It really helps, and the disconnected feeling goes away, at least for a bit, which is sometimes all we need to break free of some of our stress.

Fifth, I would highly recommend trying something new. Take a free online class about something you have been curious about. Learn a new craft. Experiment with cooking. Anything that is going to stimulate your brain is a good start. Becoming successful, even moderately, at something you have tried can be a very uplifting experience. The happy endorphins kick in, and it is a psychological boost. If you want to brag to friends and family about your successes, all the better. (I do this often. Sorry, Sherry!)

Even one of these strategies can help keep your stress levels a little more manageable. If you are finding it hard to try new things or even getting through the normal daily routine, please reach out to a friend of family member for help. You may need to see a doctor, and there is nothing wrong with that. I am used to being at home all the time, and have done so for years. I know you social butterflies are probably having a much harder time than I am emotionally, and even I have felt depressed, isolated, and stressed out during this last year. To be honest, there have been days where, even if not sick, I just did not have any motivation to get out of bed or do the things I needed to do. If you are feeling this way, I would strongly urge you to talk to your regular physician, as you may need a medication to help you. There is no shame in that. I take an antidepressant every single day and have for many years. I am more available to those that need me, and I am much less likely to fall into that pit of stress and feelings of isolation. My animals and my family have been much healthier and happier for it.

We have to be healthy and content for Kitty to be healthy and content. It is worth every effort to combat the negativity in the world right now, even if we are stuck at home most of the time.

Hop online to the Feline Diabetes Support Group and share your ideas and experiences or ask questions. Someone is always there to answer!