Stress has become a modern plague. We live stressful lives with longer work hours, financial worries, and many obligations. Why do I use such a strong word as a plague? I use it because stresss is one of the causes of the most prevalent health conditions today in the developed world, namely obesity and diabetes. It is also believed to be linked to cancer and heart disease.
The reason why stress may lead to weight gain are two-fold:
1. Stress can lead to overeating. It’s not called stress eating for nothing. It is probably the most common form of emotional eating. If you can’t control how much you eat, no amount of exercise will help you. You will gain weight.
2. Stress raises the cortisol levels in your body which may make it harder for you to lose fat, especially around the abdomen.
This is why learning how to stop stress is important for any person who wishes to burn body fat, get lean, and remain healthy.
The good thing is that there are many simple steps you can take to reduce stress in your life and become happier and calmer person. In this article I’d like to share some of those steps with you. So, if you’re ready for a life with a lot less stress, read on…
Tip #1 – Laughter is the best stress buster
I make it a habit to watch a funny TV show each day. Sometimes I watch more than one episode. I find that no matter how stressed out, overworked, or worried I am about things in my life, that I can relax through laughter. I let go of my worries and tension and I feel that my body welcomes the break I give it.
I highly recommend watching at least one episode of a good sit-com of other comedy show each day.
Tip #2 – Avoid news overload
I used to be a news addict. I’d have it on constantly, even in the background when I was surfing the net. Then, I realized that most of the news I was watching was full of fear. Exaggerated fear. It seems that with today’s 24/7 news channels, the way many news stations fill their schedule is through fearful prediction, projections, and uneducated analysis which often doesn’t come true.
A few months ago I decided to watch the news just once a week. I also don’t read news sites as often as I did. You know what happened?
NOTHING.
I know what’s going on in the world, I can carry on an intelligent conversation with any one, and I’m under a lot less stress. My mind is no longer full of threats and fearful images. It’s great.
Tip #3 – 5 Minute Morning Introspection
As part of my morning ritual, I take 5 minutes each morning for tranquil introspection. I just sit comfortably with my eyes closes, breathe slowly, and let my mind wonder. After 5 minutes, I’m calmer, cooler, and I have a clear vision of the day ahead of me. It’s great.
Tip #4 – Exercise more
The benefits of exercise just never seem to end. It helps you lose fat, tone your body, improves your health, and it is also a quick way to reduce stress. Whenever you’re feeling the tension mount up, take 10 minutes and do some exercises. It will loosen you up quickly.
Tip #5 – Avoid stressful people
We all have some friends or family members that have the ability to get under our skin and make us feel bad or tense. While you may not be able to completely avoid these people (as they may be very close to you), you should limit their effect on your life. You can do this either by meeting and talking with them less, or by making a firm decision to not allow them to influence you as much as they do today.
Tip #6 – Think of the Worse case scenario and relax
Often, we’re worried about the very worse thing that can happen but it never does. I want you to do a short stress reduction exercise with me: imagine the worse that can happen and think what you’ll do if it does occur. You will likely find that you have some solutions in mind and that things aren’t as bad as you imagine them to be. You will also find that you fear and stress diminish.
In Conclusion
Use these 6 tips and stop your stress. It will make you a happier, healthier, and more positive person. It may also help you drop pounds and get leaner as well.
