How To Reduce Stress & Live Happier (And Ultimately, Burn More Fat!)
Yes, you read that right.
Did you know that elevated stress levels are linked to an increase in water retention, emotional overeating and weight/fat gain (among other health-related issues)?
That means, the more stressed out we get about not looking a certain way or achieving a specific weight-loss goal will actually work to PREVENT you from losing that weight in the first place.
It becomes a bit of a sick cycle - we're stressed about something, so we eat emotionally to fill that void, then we stress about having overeaten in the first place, which ultimately causes us to hold onto more water, those cortisol levels spike up even higher, and we're in an even worse position than when we had originally started.
Ugh! I know this cycle all-too-well...
With everything that's been going on in my life over the last few weeks, you can bet that I've had my fair share of stress and emotional overeating. (I mean, I'm human!) But I'm doing my absolute best to practice more rituals that help to eliminate stress and make me happier overall.
These include:
getting outdoors/being in nature
going for a nice walk (esp. with a friend/loved one!)
listening to my favourite podcasts
writing/journaling
reading a good book
cozying up with my new weighted blanket (omg guys, this has been a life saver!)
listening to old vinyl records
cooking a good meal
creating something
Note: These are some practices that personally have helped ME to reduce stress and promote a healthier & happier mindset; however, this can vary from person to person!
I highly encourage you to write down a list of the things that truly make YOU happy - so that when those feelings of guilt, shame, overwhelm or stress come knocking at your door, you can pick an activity that helps you work through it and go back to kicking ass & reaching those goals, totally stress-free!
What practices do you have when you want to reduce stress & live happier? Comment BELOW!
With love and wellness,
Note: This article contains an affiliate link to a product I absolutely love, which means that I make a small commission off any item you may purchase, at no additional cost to you.