What are some tips for managing stress while trying to lose weight?
How to break the cycle of stress and weight gain Make exercise a priority. Exercise is an important part of stress relief and weight management. Incorporate stress relief strategies into your daily life. Stress can make it hard to find things to smile about, but a grin from ear to ear can even make you happier if you can muster one up.
Researchers from the University of Kansas have found that college students who smiled during stressful tasks had significantly fewer physiological responses to stressful stimuli than students who remained stubborn. Sticking to a regular eating plan can help you keep your blood sugar levels under control. Even a few small bites with meals can help reduce stress and minimize further mood swings. Chronic stress can lead to complications such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, or other serious conditions.
Even though your Adele impression may not earn you any fans, listening to or singing along to your favorite songs can be a serious stress reliever. What was so impressive, however, was how long after the diet study was completed, the weight loss was maintained by the group that had practiced stress-reducing habits. And it’s worth trying, as research says managing stress can be beneficial if you’re struggling to lose weight. So if your stress levels feel uncontrollable, try getting out the brushes and channeling your inner Picasso.
Spending time for yourself can help you distance yourself from stressors like work, relationships, and that endless to-do list, while also freeing up time for some self-care activities, like reading, exercising, or treating yourself to a spa day. Research suggests that petting an animal can help lower blood pressure and heart rate and reduce psychological stress. For example, several studies show how stress and lack of sleep can lead to an increase in cortisol levels (the stress hormone). The meditative act of soaking and drinking tea can help you slow down and take your focus away from what’s stressing you out.
According to the results of a study published in the journal Art Therapy, creating art significantly reduced the production of the stress hormone cortisol in a group of adult test subjects. Medical Weight Management Program, 1280 East Stringham Ave, 4th Floor Pod E Salt Lake City, Utah 84106. Your doctor can help you determine why stress is having such a significant effect on your weight and create a management plan tailored to your needs. When you’re stressed out, you may have a tendency to eat comfort food, drink alcohol, or curl up on the couch and watch a good show.
