Renee Singh
When we look all around us, we can actually see people having a serious obsession with weight. This is why there are so many weight loss clinics, and gyms have gained a high level of popularity nowadays.
One of the favourite lines of women in a party stands, “Oh I really think that you have lost weight.” This sure is a cliché. Yet we need to realise that we actually hold the control button to this story of weight loss. Stress has a serious impact on how much we weigh.
Reasons for weight change
Stressful experiences contribute in a very big way to gaining and losing weight.
Chronic stress
One of the main reasons for weight gain is an increase in appetite due to stress. Craving for all the wrong foods becomes high, as the desire to create happiness within is primary. Slowly by being over indulgent over the months, weight gain begins to occur.
Hormonal changes
These are mainly triggered by stress and can be held responsible for many changes in the levels of weight.
Impact of metabolism
Due to metabolism changes, the levels of insulin change in the body and fat storage undergoes a change.
Fight or flight response
The reaction to this response is the release of adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline minimizes the desire to eat and prepares the body to take action. Cortisol, temporarily suppresses the nonessential functions, such as, digestive, immune and reproductive response. More cortisol in the body gives you a craving for sugary things and high fat content snacks.
Fat storage
Excessive fat gets stored in the body, when the person is under higher stress.
Combat stress-related weight change: Weight control still is in your hands.
Exercise as a priority
A good walk, badminton, gym, whatever the type of exercise you enjoy, just stay with it.
Mindful eating
Pay attention to food intake. Keep a tab on what you eat.
Stress-relief strategies
These help to lower cortisol levels and help to beat the cycle of stress. Stress generated weight is a very easily reversible condition. Once you are clearly aware that it is stress, it becomes easy to resolve.
Go for self care
- These include eating healthy, lots of water, lots of exercise and improved sleeping habits.
- These strategies even if followed at a comfortable pace, will help you to balance your life.
- Eating all meals and not skipping any is essential.
- We need to realise that paying attention to your body is essential.
The body is the temple of the human spirit, and all that goes on through our minds is reflected through our bodies constantly. It is our duty to maintain a healthy body, by keeping a healthy mind. Accept only positive things, reject the negative. This is the only way to happy life.
(Singh is a Chandigarh-based psychotherapist)
from The Tribune http://bit.ly/2L82Gwi
via Today’s News Headlines
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