Too Blessed to Be Stressed: Staying Calm and Keeping Cortisol Levels Low

Are you a healthy eater? Do you work out regularly and do your best to keep your body healthy?

However, do you find yourself still struggling to keep your weight in check? You’re not alone. Many people do everything they’re “supposed to do” and continue to fight stubborn fat gain. If that sounds like you, it might be time to step back and take a look at your hectic life.

One of the main factors in weight gain that often goes unchecked is the amount of inflammation in your body. If you’ve got an old injury you’re dealing with or there’s a significant stressful event in your life, your body might be producing large amounts of cortisol—and that cortisol is likely a major reason why you’re struggling to lose any fat.

Here’s what happens. Since cortisol is a fight-or-flight hormone, your body goes into survival mode any time it’s released and holds onto as much fat as possible (thanks evolution). You can exercise and diet and feed your body everything it needs, but it doesn’t matter! That cortisol will keep the meat on your bones and add to your frustration and stress, which only perpetuates the cycle.

The Christmas season, while jolly, is also a notoriously stressful time of the year. There are presents to buy, decorations to display, and in-laws to placate. Wondering how to deal with the excess stress and keep off more unwanted fat?

This year, take a moment to meditate each morning before starting your day.

Studies have shown that frequent meditation and daily gratitude can reduce stress significantly and increase your ability to cope well with unexpected challenges. Find movement in ways that make you happy—don’t just go to the gym to try to work off extra calories. Take a hike, enjoy the gorgeous Arizona winter, and try to spend time with people you enjoy.

The best thing you can do for your body is take care of it this year. Keep your stress levels low, reduce your cortisol, and you’ll be amazed at the difference you can make in your health journey. For more information or a consultation on more ways to get fit this Christmas, call us at (480)477-6334.