May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this week we’re focusing on how movement can improve both your mental well-being and blood sugar control. Most people think you need structured workouts to manage diabetes. There is a lesser-known technique that has powerful benefits: shaking.

Yes, literally shaking your body.

How Shaking Movement Supports Mental Health & Blood Sugar

In nature, animals naturally shake after a stressful event to release tension and reset their nervous system. Humans experience the same release when we move rhythmically, yet rarely use it.

Studies show that gentle, repetitive movement like shaking can:

• Reduce cortisol levels
• Improve mood and emotional regulation
• Enhance insulin sensitivity
• Support nervous system balance

For people living with diabetes like you and me, this simple practice helps prevent chronic low-grade stress that quietly drives up blood sugar levels.

Your Movement Tip: Daily Shake & Reset Practice

You don’t need a gym membership or a long workout to benefit. A 2-minute shake break can release tension and improve both mental clarity and glucose control.

How to Practice a Shake & Reset

• Step 1: Find a private space where you can move freely.
• Step 2: Stand tall, feet hip-width apart.
• Step 3: Start by gently shaking your hands, then your arms, shoulders, and eventually your whole body.
• Step 4: Keep shaking for 1–2 minutes, letting your breath flow naturally.
• Step 5: Stop, take a deep breath, and notice how your body feels.

You can use this technique:

• Before or after a stressful meeting
• During a blood sugar dip or energy slump
• Anytime you feel tense or overwhelmed
• Upon awakening and prior to bedtime even while watching tv or a video 

Real Client Results: How Gentle Movement Balanced Mood & Blood Sugar

"I used to think exercise had to be intense to help my blood sugar, but I never had time. When I learned about shaking as a way to calm my nerves, I gave it a try. I was shocked at how much lighter I felt afterward. What an amazing feeling. It’s now part of my daily routine." My neuropathy even became less of an issue and eventually  I didn't notice it anymore

— James R., Group Coaching Client

What’s Next? Let’s Find the Right Movement for Your Life

Movement doesn’t have to be complicated to help your mental health and blood sugar. Small, intentional movement breaks can make a bigger difference than you think.

That’s why I offer a complimentary Diabetes Wellness Connection Call designed for busy people with diabetes. In this private session, we’ll:

• Explore how movement fits into your day
• Clarify what’s holding you back from feeling your best
• Identify simple next steps tailored to your lifestyle

This is your first step toward moving the needle on your health goals.

📅 Schedule your free Connection Call here: Click to book now

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Cheryl
Dr. Ac., C.H., RDH
Dr. Holistic Studies, Dr. Acupuncture
Diabetes Wellness Strategist & Coach
Creator & CEO of Holistic Diabetes Solutions
8 X International Best-Selling Author

As a woman living with diabetes for over 30 years, Dr. Cheryl understands the journey firsthand. When she was diagnosed, she received the same outdated advice her grandmother was given for over four decades, who relied primarily on medication, suffered from deteriorating health and eventually lost her life to diabetes. Fueled by this experience, Dr. Cheryl was compelled to seek a better way. Through countless research studies and trials, she developed the winning holistic approach: the Diabetes Success System which merges traditional wisdom with today’s best holistic self-care practices.  It has revolutionized diabetes management by providing a trusted way to maintain consistent and predictable healthy blood sugar levels.

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PROFESSIONAL DISCLAIMER

The material and content contained in this platform is for overall general diabetes health and education information only. It is not intended to constitute medical advice or to be a substitution for professional medical recommendations, diagnosis or treatment. All specific medical questions or changes you make to your medication and/or lifestyle should be discussed and addressed with your primary healthcare provider. Having the right mindset, doing the right movements at the right times of day, and eating foods that help keep blood sugar, insulin, and inflammation manageable can dramatically reduce your risk of the all-too-common complications of Diabetes, increase your energy levels and have you feeling your best every day.