Is your stress cup overflowing??

Let's talk about stress.

Stress is one of the biggest components to weight loss and health right now, and not enough people are managing it. And when they are, the focus is often getting the “stress out” with intense, endorphin releasing workouts Don’t get me wrong, those workouts feel great. Getting a good sweat in is great. Getting your heart rate up is great. But they ARE stressful which means they actually ADD to your daily stress load. Most of you are waking up with your stress “cup” full. You are managing bills, relationships, careers, children and politics through a pandemic. Your body feels all this stress and it reacts by elevating your cortisol. You then further elevate things with stressful workouts, undereating, processed food and a lack of sleep.

Your poor body is overworked and underpaid and you’re suddenly shocked it doesn’t want to do its job. Would you? If your performance was slipping from a crazy workload, would adding more work and constantly being berated cause you to work harder?? I doubt it. Then why do you expect this of yourself? Why do you further stress yourself, eat less foods and talk down to yourself when it doesn’t work?

You need to reduce your stress to be healthier. You need to reduce your stress to lose weight.

How do we do that especially in this busy time of year? Start by adding something small each day to bring some balance back. Even just 15 minutes of meditation can do wonders for your stress. Don’t like meditation? Try yoga, prayer, calming music, a bath, a quiet walk or drawing/ coloring. Plan fun get togethers. Aim to LAUGH every day.

Exercise can be great for reducing stress, but intense workouts should be limited to 2-3 times per week. Opt for walking and lifting weights instead. Be sure to get enough sleep; 7-8 hours minimum. When you are sleeping your body restores itself. 5-6 hours is NOT cutting it especially if those hours are after midnight. It’s said that every hour before midnight is worth 2 after. Sleep is AS important as exercise, and yet how often do we let it fall to the wayside. And for what reason? Most of us are losing sleep to televisions and phones. Put them down and go to bed.

Above all in this busy season set realistic expectations for yourself. If finishing your to do list leaves you burned out and exhausted, you need a shorter list. The holidays are about memories not tons of presents, perfect decorations and festive activities. Allow yourself to slow down and savor the season in a way that honors your health and lets you truly enjoy it.

-Holly