Is Stress Killing Your Diet?
Posted by on November 11th, 2009
“So, how was work? Did you have a good day today?” What does this have to do with losing weight you may ask? Well, you should know that a high level of stress will eventually have a negative effect on your general health. People who have high levels of stress in their lives end up losing a lot of much needed sleep. Not only that but they are more prone to being sick and develop more long term diseases.
I read in a recent article of a popular women’s magazine that 85% of women can’t sleep at night due to worrying. Also, about 70% of women become irritable due to stress and because of the economy about 52% of women are under more stress today than they were six months ago. Unfortunately, quite a few of us tend to overeat and gain a few unwanted pounds during stressful times. This is the last thing we all need, especially when we are trying to lose weight.
I know that whenever I am stressed I try my best to schedule time to wind down from a hard day at work. In my spare time there are lots of things to do help cope with the stress. Here are a few good ideas to help you ease the stress of everyday life so that you could stay focused on keeping in good shape.
Tune up. Listening to music is a great way to relax. At times my job can be stressful. I can’t always take a break and walk away whenever I want to so I can always turn on the radio to my favorite station. If I want to listen to my music in private I just take out my MP3 player and listen as long as I want.
It’s your call. Sometimes during the middle of the day I call up a friend or a family member just to say hello. It only takes a few minutes and I make sure that I time myself for about 15 minutes which is just enough time to get my mind off of the pressures at work for a few minutes.
Sweat it out. By exercising for at least 30 minutes each day you can cut your level of stress anywhere from 40 to 50%. Remember, you don’t have to be a member of a gym. You could do what I do and go for a quick, brisk walk at the job. If possible, take a walk outside or around the block if time allows. If not, then take a quick walk around the office. Just make sure your work is getting done first.
You can try any of these ideas today. You may not be able to eliminate stress completely but it’s important to keep your stress level to a minimum. Good health is just as important as losing weight and both will help you to live a long and prosperous life.
Tags: how to lose weight, stress killing your diet, why diet, why lose weight