Higher stress levels for quite a long period can seriously take a toll on our overall health. As said by Health Canal, stress also stimulates stress hormones and other neurotransmitters associated with it which leads to overeating and pumping up fat cells of the body.
Let’s learn more about the inter-linking of stress and how to cope with weight gain:
Effect of stress on our body and overall well-being
It somehow promotes mental fatigue. Therefore, living a stressful life is really very important. And the good news is that there are effective ways that help to reduce stressful situations by reducing stressors.
Risks associated with stress and weight gain
As said above, stress leads to weight gain and prolonged fat leads to fat accumulation around the belly which is harmful to our health. Stress stimulates the level of cortisol, the stress hormone. Every time a person is stressed, the adrenaline and cortisol, the neurotransmitters, are released into the bloodstream and there is a spike in blood sugar levels and unwanted cravings. In addition, it slows down the metabolic rate which leads to weight gain.
The associated risks of stress and weight gain include:
● Heart Diseases
● Heart stroke
● Diabetes
● Joint pain
● High blood pressure
Ways to cope with stress-related weight gain
To cope with stress, maintaining a routine of healthy eating habits and other general lifestyle rituals might help to combat stress. Below are some strategies that can help to ease stress and manage healthy weight:
Physical activity
Engaging daily in any physical activity and practicing mindfulness will help a low to lower psychological stress. Both exercise and meditation are important components for weight management and stress. Mindful meditation helps the mind to release stress and to promote feelings of calm, focus, and balance. Daily exercise for about 30-40 mins or even moderate activity can help to reduce visceral body fat.
Following a healthy diet
There’s no need for carbs or any sort of fats to feel better. Vitamin D and a well-balanced diet include green leafy veggies, fiber-rich fruits, and chicken. A good diet will not only help to burn extra calories but will also help to manage stress in the best way possible, in short uplifts mood. Don’t forget to avoid sugary and processed foods. Furthermore, eating in portions and mindful eating would also help to manage weight better.
Considering supplements
While some people recommend healthy lifestyle habits, some people need an extra nutrient boost from outside. They make it easier to manage weight and stress. Several products medically reviewed by Kimberly Langdon, MD have been linked to boosting the metabolic rate and burning excess visceral fat. However, do not forget to consult a doctor or dietician if you want to try any product.
Drinking enough water
Water reduces stress. Yes, it’s true water controls stress responsiveness and study claims that individuals who relatively drink more water have a lower risk of anxiety and depression. A hydrated body makes you feel more calm, relieved, and comfortable. Now, about weight management, as water is 100% calorie-free, it helps to suppress appetite and burn more fat. And it also flushes out all toxins which help to boost metabolism thus promoting weight loss. Drinking 1-2 glasses of warm water in the morning will not only reduce belly fat but also rejuvenate the mind and body.
Doing things and activities that you enjoy
Doesn’t matter whether it’s merely watching the sky or listening to music, one shouldn’t hesitate to do things that he/she loves. Engaging in fun and stress-relieving activities release happy hormones which help to aid stress and anxiety-related issues. It can be reading a book, spending some quality time with a pet, dancing, or even gardening. It will eventually show an impact on weight and stress. It is believed that the real secret of weight loss lies in how happy and contented you feel.
Stress keeps affecting us at some point. Some people might experience it daily while some feel only during certain activities. Stress decreases the quality of life. As mentioned above, stress disrupts physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing but coping with it isn’t that tough, with proper treatment and lifestyle modification healthy lifestyle can be achieved. Stress and weight gain are common issues and need to be addressed.
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