Stress, Weight and You
Life is always changing: good, bad, exciting, boring
, from one day or week, or even month, life can be a roller coaster of stress. Stress is a powerful reactive emotion that can negatively affect our whole life. Dealing with everyday stress not only plays havoc on physical and mental health, it can even cause significant weight gain!
When we are under stress, our body reacts as if we are in a "fight or flight" situation.Our hormone production is altered andcortisol levels are increased.Elevated cortisol causes the body to "think" it needs moreenergy, resulting in feelings of hunger. Even though we have not used any additional energy, we still want to eat (most of us do not go for celery sticks) thus, the weight gain begins.
Add to this, as the body produces more cortisol, our testosterone (muscle building hormone) slows down. Although this occurs naturally as we age, stress combined with this increase in cortisol, speeds up the process. Cortisol also stimulates the body's
storage of fat.
While we cannot stop stressful situations, we can control how we react to them. Here are a few tips to help cope when we are beginning to feel overwhelmed with life's "knocks".
- Learn to relax. Relaxing may include breathing techniques, taking a bath, walking, reading, counting to 10 or 20 or 30talking to someone, (even listening to someone else), hobbiesthe list is endless. Find what works for you, then use it!
- Be careful of what you think. We are all victims of our own "self-talk". Be aware of how you mentally prepare yourself for a situation. Negative thoughts lead to negative reactions. Practice the "glass half full" instead of half empty outlook. Try to find and focus on areas of your life that you enjoy. Positive self talk is a skill that, with time, can be developed into an excellent source of coping.
-Try to focus on each day and not too far ahead. Often we become overwhelmed simply by our thinking about so much, so many, so far away, that we lose sight of the manageable areas of our life. Try to put your energy into the areas of your life you can "problem solve". These simple accomplishments will encourage you and increase your confidence to face the "bigger battles".
- Take care of your body. Even in stressful times, your body needs adequate nutrition (perhaps even better care). Stress can take a physical and mental toll on a person. Awareness of adequate physical and
nutritional care is essential.
While life is stressful, being aware of the connection between stress, health, and weight gain will hopefully motivate us to search for and actually utilize tips to "de-stress". These simple coping techniques can be used by anyone. While it is not easy to "re-train" our reactions, it can certainly be done. With awareness and practice, we can make vital changes that will help us face life's challenges with mental confidence and physical strength.
Rememberit's your lifeyour healthlive well.
Stress, Weight and You
By: Kim Roberson
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