You’ve been working hard at the gym and eating right, but that weight just won’t shift! What are you doing wrong?
Turns out, if you’re stressed, anxious, worried or frustrated, about work or life, you could be hampering your own health journey without even knowing. Find out why stress can be such a significant weight loss inhibitor and how to get back on track.
Fight or flight
The body’s response to stress is an interesting one. As soon as you start to experience excessive worry or anxiety, your body triggers a chemical response known as ‘fight or flight’. This response releases a surge of energy– hugely effective in the days of the caveman when life was all about ‘eat or be eaten’; not quite as effective in today’s world where running away from stressors does little to help resolve them. In fact, studies show that this response can contribute towards fat storage and the impulse to overeat– which explains why, despite your best efforts, you could be gaining weight rather than losing it.
Put stress to rest
So how do you stop stress in its tracks and get back on the path to health? It’s easier said than done, but relaxing is your best option. Try one or more of these tips every day, and you could soon see the scale start moving as a result!
- Breathe. When you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed, take deep breaths until you’re in a calmer state of mind. We recommend doing this five to 10 times daily.
- Sleep. While you may not have time for a full eight hours’ sleep, try to sleep more than you currently are in order to give your body the rest it needs.
- Meditate. Take at least 10 minutes out of your morning to meditate and start your day in as restful a way as possible.
- Have fun. Do something every day that brings you joy, whether it’s a bubble bath, a walk on the beach or a meal out with a loved one. Channelling positive energy can go a long way towards eliminating negativity from your life.
So you want to become healthier and fitter? We break down good health into four simple steps that will change your life.
