It’s best to check anything medical with doctors @Shaz51 , but this is what I have learned, and checked with doctors.
Metabolic syndrome is apparently caused by three things (generally speaking cos there might be other factors that compound it).
- Lack of exercise
- Poor dietary balance
- High stress / anxiety
It can also have a genetic predisposition, apparently.
I walk a lot, most days, and lift and carry heavy art equipment, so that is plenty of exercise - checked with doctors.
I have a good balance with dietary intake - checked with doctors and a dietician.
I have high-stress and anxiety-producing circumstances, but leaving them is likely to make this side of things much worse, for me and everyone else involved - checked with counsellors with expertise in the field we are dealing with.
Generic factors I can’t do much about .....
So, what I have to do about it is work at reducing the effects of the stressors I have to deal with. Going to uni and immersing myself in my art is one way of doing that. Another is to see a counselling regularly and talk about what is happening.
I have also targeted two things that cause me difficulty and distress - trying to manage a difficult nail condition, and trying to look after my tricky hair ..... so I get help now with both of those.
I also get neck and back massages occasionally, because that is where I tend to store stress in my body.
I also listen to music, and take myself out for a coffee somewhere every day.
I used to catch up with friends regularly, but since we moved I have only made some new ones in my course, so being at uni ticks that box for me too.
I am a believer, so going to church helps me to believe I can get through this, and look for moments of joy wherever I can find them, usually in the little things.
How’s that for a big answer ?
