You barely managed to get the kids to school, you have a huge workload, you need to get kid #1 to recital practice by 7 pm, stop by the store for groceries, walk the dog, prepare dinner, do the laundry, help the kids with their homework, and somehow squeeze in the season finale of NCIS. No wonder you’re stressed!
Stress can mess with us in all sorts of ways. Ever wonder why you always crave fatty, salty foods when you’re stressed? These comfort foods help by releasing hormones in our brains that make us feel a bit better, so we often turn to them when we’re under pressure.
Your adrenal glands also release cortisol when you’re stressed. This hormone helps us cope with stress but can also lead to weight gain, especially around your belly. It’s an evolutionary response to help the body manage stressful situations, but when stress is constant, it can sabotage your efforts to eat right and exercise.
Before you grab that doughnut, take a moment to think about what you’re eating, why you’re eating it, and your health goals. Pausing for just 10 seconds can help you make better choices.
Some diets put our bodies under constant stress because they don’t provide the proper nutrition. This also leads to increased cortisol and fat storage. So, if you’re severely limiting your calories to lose weight, you might be stressing your body so much that weight loss becomes even harder.
When everything feels like it’s piling up, take a 5-minute break outside the office for some peace and quiet. Meditation can also be incredibly effective for relieving stress.
You can’t be everywhere at once, even if you try. It’s time to delegate. Lean on the people in your life who are willing to help when you’re overwhelmed, and remember that it’s okay to say no sometimes.
Don’t forget to get quality sleep when life gets hectic. Sleep helps you recharge and can make a big difference when you’re stressed.
If you’re angry because nothing went right today, try exercising. A quick, high-intensity workout, even for just 15-20 minutes, can help you burn off some steam and reduce stress.
Life can be stressful, but to be truly healthy, you need to start eliminating some stress from your life. Reduce stress and cortisol to break through your weight loss barriers and avoid stress-related weight gain.
Bonus tip: Have some fun during your day! Even if it’s hard, try to smile and stay optimistic—it’s good for your heart!