Importance of Dealing with Stress

One of the most important areas that is overlooked when it comes to weight loss or improving one's health is the impact that day-to-day stress has on our lives. Because we learn to live with stress, we fail to realize how stress drains your body's energy all day long -- every day.

Think about it -- if you have to drive to work in a lot of busy traffic every day, that's stressful! Working for boss who you don't like or doesn't like you is stressful! Working two jobs or working for less money than you deserve is stressful. Living paycheck to paycheck is stressful! Worrying about your job security is very stressful! Figuring out what to eat when you get home every night can be stressful.

So, what should we do? Well, unless you're related to Bill Gates or Warren Buffet, you can't quit your job. Given today's job market and the paucity of high paying jobs, it's very difficult finding a job that you like and pays well.

But, again, that doesn't mean we should give up and accept that things can't get better. Instead, you should update your resume and look for other job opportunities; or, look for ways to supplement your income.  We'll discuss this in more detail in a future post.

However, in the meantime, it is important to learn ways to deal with your current job, your environment, and the stress without it negatively impacting your health. 

Oh, by the way, did you know that the Number 1 reason why we eat poorly sometimes is due to the high stress in our lives?! High stress leads to poor decision-making. High stress leads to unnecessary arguments with family, friends, store clerks, etc. that only make you feel worse. And, because we feel worse, we feed our face with a bowl of ice cream or some macaroni 'n cheese -- feeding a vicious cycle of stress and disease!

Do you know what is one of the major reasons why we argue with other people, especially strangers or acquaintances? We feel powerless! We feel that we have to lash out at someone after having had such a bad day. Or, we feel unhappy with our lives; or, we just feel frustrated or hopeless with everything that's going on in our lives.

From a biochemical and hormonal perspective, the high stress triggers the release of cortisol (the stress hormone) which can restrict your arteries and lead to high blood pressure, unwanted weight gain, lower back pain, and sleepless nights (insomnia). In addition, the high stress prevents the release of serotonin (the feel-good hormone).

And, because you don't feel good, you make a poor food choice by grabbing for a comfort food like a bag of potato chips, some pizza, a plate of mac 'n cheese, some fried chicken or a bowl of ice cream. This, of course, leads to more weight gain and/or higher blood glucose levels!

This is an example of the cyclic nature of obesity and weight gain; and, why it's so difficult to lose weight the right way. Sure, you can exercise, drink a green smoothie, and eat a salad, but, if, you have a lot of high stress or emotional issues such as anger, envy, jealousy, or regret, your body will respond by releasing cortisol and other hormones that either trigger weight gain or prevent the body from burning fat!.

Bottom line: You must address how to reduce the level of stress in your life and how to deal with your emotional issues. Some ways include: exercising, talking with a friend, joining a support group, being a community volunteer, getting several good night's sleep, helping others, finding your Purpose in Life, spirituality, meditation, and prayer. We will discuss these ways of how to reduce stress in more detail in future posts.