Are you feeling like stress has stolen your sense of wellbeing? Is work, personal relationships, or your finances making you feel like you have too much pressure in your life? If so, you need to know that whether it's a personal or professional reason, chronic stress can wreak havoc with your sense of wellbeing and your health. Chronic stress has many negative health consequences, but one of the most frustrating is weight gain, particularly around the mid-section. And if you do not get the stress under control, it can be very difficult to lose that weight even with dieting. So, what makes it seemingly impossible for stressed out individuals to get rid of those extra stubborn pounds and what are the solutions to this problem?
Well, first of all, stress triggers the natural physical response when you feel threatened - the fight or flight response. And your body's response to true threats is a good thing as it helps your body get ready to either fight or flee in order to stay safe. But, that physical and emotional response results in soaring levels of what is often called the stress hormone, cortisol. It is the over production of this hormone over longer periods of time that can contribute significantly in making people obese.
Cortisol facilitates the storage of fat in your body. High levels of this hormone results in excess body fat being stored, particularly in the abdomen. But the problem is not only excess visible belly fat, but also the dangerous visceral fat around the organs.
The role of stress induced cortisol production in weight gain is one thing, but then there are other negative health impacts including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and even musculoskeletal problems. So if you are feeling the stress and experiencing the accompanied weight gain, you should seriously consider taking action sooner rather than later. And a weight loss plan that includes a combination of the following is a good place to start:
• Exercise the Right Way: Aerobic exercises (cycling, running, cross country skiing, etc.) results in generating endorphins. These hormones work to increase feelings of wellbeing and reduce food cravings and stress eating. Not only that, but you can also experience a sort of euphoria produced by endorphins that is also referred to as "runners high" during an extended workout. But maybe the best thing about these chemicals is that they work against the negative effects of stress and tamp down the cortisol level. And it's a good idea to add some strength training a couple of times each week. Strength training builds lean muscle mass, thereby increasing your metabolism.
• Avoid excessive carbohydrate intake: A nutritionist or physician at a weight loss clinic would never recommend that you consume carbohydrates minus the proteins and fats. That's because eating high carb, calorie dense foods results in a dramatic insulin response - especially when they are simple carbs like sugar, bread, white rice, and noodles. This is harmful because your body very easily and quickly breaks these carbs down to sugars your body uses for energy. The sugars then need to be stored as fat to control blood sugar levels. To avoid this situation eat balanced meals that including proteins, fats and more fibrous carbohydrates, like vegetables. In other words - cut out the processed grains and sugars!
• Get Proper Rest: One of the most important factors is to get enough sleep and rest. Sleep deprivation over time can result in increased cortisol production, added stress, and hence more weight gain.Having at least seven to nine hours of sleep is essential for healthy weight loss as well as general health.
• Practice Stress Reduction Techniques: There are numerous effective techniques that can be followed for reducing stress levels including meditation, yoga, aerobics, deep breathing and self-hypnosis.
• Consider Hypnosis for Stress and Anxiety Management: As discussed above, stress and lack of sleep can be holding you back from losing weight. Hypnosis has been shown to be a very effective method for stress and anxiety management. Hypnosis for sleep can also be very effective in getting the rest you need and helping to keep your cortisol levels in check.
• Consider Hypnosis for Weight Loss: If you prefer a natural method for weight loss that is free of prescription drugs or surgery then this may be the answer for you. Hypnosis for weight loss has proven to be a very effective method of getting to a healthier weight for many people. Additionally, hypnosis can help to change behaviors permanently, providing lasting weight loss results.
To sum it up, there are many harmful effects of chronic stress, including weight gain. So taking action is essential to your good health and wellbeing. Change your lifestyle and adopt a weight loss plan that includes managing stress, getting ample restful sleep, following good nutrition practices, and getting some form of exercise on a regular basis. And also seriously consider hypnosis for stress and anxiety management, hypnosis for sleep, and hypnosis for weight loss to make lasting changes to your health and wellbeing.
Dennis offers hypnosis services and very much passionate about helping people attain higher levels of health and well-being.. Learn more about their hypnosis services by visiting the website http://flourishforlifehypnosis.com/
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