Recently I came across a book titled 'Ikigai, The Japanese secret to a long and happy life'. Ikigai (pronounced ee-key-guy) is made from two Japanese words: iki, meaning “life” and kai, meaning “effect, result, worth or benefit.” Combined: “ a reason for living.”

Authors Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles break down the rules that can help anyone find their own ikigai. These rules also helped me manage my health and blood sugar levels.

1. Stay active

Never give up the fight against diabetes. It's important to stay active, keep fighting, make progress and help others as well in our fight to defeat diabetes and stay healthy.

2. Take it slow

Being in a hurry is inversely proportional to the quality of life. As the old saying goes, “Walk slowly and you’ll go far.” Diabetes can be a hard nut to crack, but by being patient and determined we will surely achieve desired results.

3. Don’t over-eat

Less is more when it comes to eating for a healthy life. Stuffing ourselves can sometimes cause sudden spike in blood sugars levels. According to the 80 percent rule, in order to stay healthier longer, we should eat a little less than our hunger demands.

4. Surround yourself with good friends

Friends are the best medicine and diabuddies help us to confide our worries over a good chat, share stories that brighten our day, get advice, having fun... in other words, living happily.

5. Get in shape for your next birthday

Water moves at its best when it flows fresh and doesn’t stagnate. The body you move through life needs a bit of daily maintenance to keep it running for a long time. Plus, exercise releases hormones that make us feel happy and helps manage blood sugar levels.

6. Smile

A cheerful attitude is not only relaxing—it also helps make friends. Sometimes things that aren’t so great when dealing with diabetes, but we should never forget what a privilege it is to be in the here and now in a world so full of possibilities.

7. Reconnect with nature

Though most people live in cities these days, human beings are made to be part of the natural world. Stress causes a spike in blood sugar levels. We should return to nature often to recharge our batteries and relieve stress.

8. Give thanks

To nature, which provides you with the air you breathe and the food you eat, to your friends and family, to be able to afford insulin and everything that brightens your days and makes you feel lucky to be alive. Spend a moment every day giving thanks, and you’ll watch your stockpile of happiness grow and worry decrease.

9. Live in the moment

Don't worry about how diabetes happened and don't fear what will happen in future. Today is all you have. Make the most of it and take small steps everyday towards a larger goal. Live in the moment.

10. Follow your Ikigai

There is a passion inside you, a unique talent that gives meaning to your days and drives you to share the best of yourself until the very end. Although each of us has a different ikigai, it is always related to the search for meaning. When we find our ikigai, we are immersed in what is important to us and, therefore, feel more complete.

Ikigai sets us to the state of 'flow' when we experience fun, delight, and creativity.

When I write blogs on diabetes management, I experience ikigai....I get into a flow and the process is very enjoyable and satisfying.

Have you experienced ikigai?

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