Hi everyone!

My name is Allee and I’m the founder behind Type Won Coaching™. After months of preparation, Type Won Coaching™ is officially launched… woot woot! The mission behind Type Won™ is simple – to support, educate and empower the type one diabetes community, and specifically the type one diabetes caregiver.

As a type one diabetes caregiver myself, I understand the complexities T1D brings. Too often, caregivers are left to navigate the challenges and steep learning curves alone. That’s where Type Won™ Coaching comes in.

It’s my dream to help encourage caregivers to prioritize their own health and wellbeing. As I’ve seen within my own family, when our health takes center stage, we’re in a much better position to support our T1D warriors.

So, let’s begin by highlighting 15 creative ways to support self-care along the type 1 diabetes journey. I’ve found immense value in the practices below. I hope they help you too!

Idea #1: Go for a walk

Enjoy a walk in nature where you can truly unplug from the daily demands and responsibilities of a T1D caregiver. Plus, the combination of fresh air and movement helps lower cortisol levels.

Idea #2: Journal

Give journaling a try! Research shows journaling helps lower anxiety, boost mood and is a great resource for tracking personal growth – all wonderful aims along the T1D journey! I personally love Erin Condren journals or searching for fun designs on Amazon.

Idea #3: Connect with a friend

Who in your inner circle can you turn to? Whether it be a friend or family member finding someone you trust to share your fears, concerns and worries can be a game changer. Not only can loved ones help us reframe our thoughts, but they can act as sounding boards and offer different perspectives along the T1D journey.

Idea #4: Take a warm, relaxing shower

Whether it’s a warm shower or bath, there is something so powerful about water! I end my days with the ritual of taking a warm shower. I envision the water washing away any stress or concerns. After I always feel refreshed and ready to unwind for the night.

Idea #5: Tune into your environment

Our environments, and where we spend our time, have a profound impact on our health and wellbeing. Can you bring greater intention to ensuring your environment feels good to you? Maybe that’s taking a quick ten minutes to tidy up before dinner or buying fresh flowers to brighten up your space. Little changes can make a big difference in how we feel!

Idea #6: Meditate

When people think of meditation it’s easy to picture a monk sitting on a mountain top. No wonder we can feel intimidated, but even three minutes will do! With meditation, I’ve gone through ebbs and flows throughout different seasons of my life. For example, as a new mama, I no longer have the luxury of taking twenty minutes in my day to sit in meditation. My practice has had to flex, and I’ve learned to be okay with that.

I now give myself permission to either take three deep breaths or be really intentional and present with whatever task I’m doing – whether that be reading to my daughter or doing the dishes. These days, that counts as my meditation!

Meditation has so many benefits like lowering blood pressure, enhancing sleep and improving focus. But it’s important to remember it can look a lot of different ways. The most important thing is that it feels good for you. Here are a few of my favorite guided meditations to help you get started!

Guided Meditation To Balance Your Body And Mind by Tone It Up

Best Meditation for When You’re Overwhelmed by Unplug Meditation

Idea #7: Utilize essential oils

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years and date back to ancient China. Whether placed on your body or utilized through a diffusor, essential oils are an easy way to help your body and mind unwind. My personal favorites are lemon for energy and lavender for relaxation! I personally love and use the brand, doTERRA.

Idea #8: Prioritize sleep

Sleep truly can be the best medicine. Once you put your little ones to sleep, how soon can you snuggle into your bed with a good book followed by lights out? After the kids are in bed, it’s tempting to turn to your to-do list. Instead, I encourage you to take a deep breath and trust it’ll get done. Tasks can wait till the morning. Rather than staying up late, can you prioritize your own health by getting to bed earlier? Your body and mind will thank you!

Idea #9: Make a power greens drink

When it’s challenging to cook at home, I turn to greens powder. Greens powder is a simple solution to pack in my nutrients for even the most hectic days. Rather than having to create a salad or convince your children to eat their greens, try greens powder!

Within our home, we begin each day with a cold bottle of water that includes one scoop of greens powder. Not only does it taste refreshing, but I love knowing I’m supporting our family’s health in a simple, attainable way.

My favorite brands include Organifi, AG1 or equi.life

Idea #10: Find what makes you laugh

Along our family’s T1D journey, we’ve recognized the importance of a positive mindset. One of the best ways we do that is to laugh! Whether that’s doing a crazy dance together to help lower a high blood glucose reading or putting on a funny tv show, we’re laughing together. What ways can your family laugh more?

Idea #11: Get ready for the day

As a mom I completely understand that mornings are a really busy time. It takes a lot of energy to help our families get ready for the day. There are lunches to be packed, breakfasts to assemble and bus stops to get to. With all these responsibilities, it’s easy to put our needs on the back burner.

But what if we could be more intentional with how we get ready for the day? Does your body crave movement in the morning or can you put together a fun outfit that makes you feel great? What actions can you take to help you approach the day from a more proactive vs. reactive space?

Idea #12: Bake something yummy!

Who doesn’t love fresh, warm chocolate chip cookies? There is honestly not a week that goes by where I’m not whipping up a batch for our family to enjoy. There is something so comforting about the baking process and the enjoyment of eating a delicious, mouthwatering cookie!

Our family prioritizes balanced blood sugar and this recipe allow us to do just that. Plus, we’ve found baking with almond flour, coconut flour and Swerve allows us to enjoy our food without a spike in blood sugar and loss of control.

Idea #13: Organize diabetes supplies

Within our home, we have a dedicated cabinet that houses all of my husband’s diabetes supplies. If he’s running low or needs something, we never have to question where supplies are. We both have greater peace of mind when things are organized. Can you take five extra minutes today to organize supplies? What can go and what needs to stay?

Idea #14: Donate or sell unused clothing

This idea relates back to the importance of our environment. If you’re looking to find more peace and serenity along the diabetes journey a great place to start is focusing on the things we can control – with one area being your closet! I always feel better when I donate clothes I no longer wear. And for nicer items look to sell them through consignment companies like Thred Up.

Not only does this cut down on laundry, but it ensures that the clothes I’m wearing I actually like and feel good in! This can be an instant boost to our confidence, and impact how we carry ourselves throughout the day.

Idea #15: Make a power playlist

Music can have a tremendous influence on our moods. When I need a pick me up, I’ll create a fun playlist on Spotify. Not only do I love the creativity it affords, but it helps take my mind away from any stressors or challenges I may be facing. Can you make a power playlist this week? As a bonus, can you involve your kiddos in the process?

I hope these ideas inspire you to start making small changes. As a type one diabetes caregiver, supporting and honoring ourselves along the type one diabetes journey ensures we’re in the best position possible to support our T1D warrior in mind, body and spirit.

Have fun experimenting on your own! Or if you’re looking for more support, I’m here to help! To learn more please contact me at hello@typewoncoaching.com or with this link.

Until next time, sending you and your family so much love,

Allee