Stress Management

Stress is something that most people deal with on a day-to-day basis. In small amounts, stress is actually beneficial, it challenges us, encourages change and makes us stronger, both emotionally and biochemically. However, we live in a society that exposes us to constant stress.

The inbuilt prehistoric response to stress was never designed to occur over long periods of time. Chronic stress, especially that which leaves you feeling powerless and out of control, can lead to the development of mood disorders. It also impacts greatly on your ability to lose weight.

Stress causes weight gain, especially around the abdomen. You may call this belly fat.

A common consequence of a high stress lifestyle is chronically elevated cortisol, your major stress hormone. Cortisol causes your body to deposit more fat, especially around the abdomen, and stimulates the breakdown of muscle. Therefore, cortisol has a very negative effect on your body shape and is the last thing you want happening.

It is almost impossible to lose weight if you are under tremendous stress, as your stress hormones are fighting against you.

Chronic stress often leads to adrenal exhaustion, which is associated with debilitating fatigue and weight gain. This is could be why you may feel tired most days. Adrenal exhaustion often leads to poor blood sugar control, cravings and binge eating, as you try to pick up your energy levels.

A hormone imbalance for both men & women is made worse by constant high levels of stress. For example, soaring cortisol levels are also associated with lower than normal levels of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), your healthy ageing hormone.

DHEA enhances vitality and your libido (sex drive). It is also one of the keys to effective natural weight loss as it reduces the tendency of your body to store fat.

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