Whether it’s related to work, your relationship, or the dire state of the country, stress is likely to pay us all a visit now and again. Unfortunately, at the moment, it’s more now, than again. And while we all know feeling anxiety can cause a sickness in your stomach and a pain in your head, did you know that it can affect your health in other ways? Stress increases the production of cortisol, a hormone in your body that plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar, energy production, immunity and healing. Therefore, when your cortisol levels go up, so too can your weight (especially around the abdomen). Add to this lowered immunity (ie, more colds and flu) and reduced energy levels, and it’s no wonder we’re all feeling down in the dumps and under the weather right now.
However, it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom (despite what the papers say). With a little know-how you can lower your levels of anxiety.. and you don’t need to join a yoga class or go on a holiday. In fact, you can de-stress in the comfort of your own home… Enter the power of the mind; without question, the most powerful muscle you have. Allowed to run away with itself, it can cause a whole host of problems, but with help it can change your life forever. Which is why Relaxation CDs such as those we supply here at Lifegym in Dundalk or online (http://lifegym.ie/shop/educo-relaxation-p-158.html?osCsid=e591f4a9260b15dac28d94e4e1d16776 ) are a wonderful, inexpensive way to change the way you think and feel. With regular use they will reduce your stress and therefore aid weight loss.
Just breathe
A simple relaxation technique, to reduce anxiety in a matter of minutes, is to simply breathe deeply. Here’s what to do…Sit cross-legged with a long, straight spine. To calm yourself, place the palms of your hands facing upwards on your knees. Relax the body with a few deep breaths to start, then inhale for three seconds, hold the breath in your lungs for three more, then exhale for three seconds. Slowly increase the length of time, aiming to get up to six seconds.
Think About It
Learning to change your thoughts from bad to good is one of the most effective ways to diminish stress. Makeit a resolution to limit your worries that are beyond your control. Yes, it’s a tough, tall order (at first-but do it until it becomes an automatic habit), but if you can do something about it, look for ways of problem-solving. If you can’t fix it, then do your best to try and not worry about it. Then, any time you start to feel that anxiety rising, stop and ask yourself; “Can I fix this or am I just worrying about it?”. Still unsure? Ask yourself this final question: “Will this matter in five years time?”.
The answer will give you the perspective you need in these stressful times.
