Could stress be making you gain weight?

Could stress be making you gain weight? The Link Between Stress and Weight Gain

You’re juggling a lot of balls. You’re working full-time, taking care of your family, and trying to keep up with your social life. It’s no wonder you feel stressed out all the time!

But did you know that stress could be one of the reasons you’re carrying around extra weight?

The Science Behind Stress & Weight Gain

When you’re stressed, your body releases the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is part of the body’s fight-or-flight response, and it helps you deal with stressful situations.

However, if you’re constantly under stress, your body will produce too much cortisol. This can lead to weight gain, particularly in the abdominal area.

That’s because cortisol tells your body to store fat in this area so that it’s readily available for energy in case you need to run away from a predator or fight off an attacker.

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In addition to causing weight gain, cortisol also leads to cravings for sugary and fatty foods.

That’s because these foods release neurotransmitters that have a calming effect on the body.

So when you’re feeling stressed, you may find yourself reaching for a bag of chips or a pint of ice cream even though you know you shouldn’t.

Tips for Lowering Your Cortisol Levels

Fortunately, there are things you can do to lower your cortisol levels and improve your health. Here are some tips:

• Get enough sleep:
  When you don’t get enough rest, your body produces more cortisol. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night. This is often easier said than don at midlife right?
  I wrote a post below that has lots of suggestions on how to improve your sleep.

  Menopause insomnia. 10 natural ways to stop tossing and turning and get a great nights sleep

• Exercise:
  Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and lower your cortisol levels. Even a moderate amount of exercise can make a difference.
  Walking is a brilliant exercise to reduce stress
• Eat healthy:
  A healthy diet is important for managing stress. Foods like fatty fish, dark leafy greens, and avocados are especially good for reducing stress levels.
• Take breaks:
  When you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths or step away from whatever is causing you stress. Taking five minutes to clear your head can help you manage stress in a healthy way.

Summary- If you’re feeling stressed out, it’s important to take steps to lower your cortisol levels.
Getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and taking breaks when needed can all help reduce stress and improve your overall health.

Don’t let stress get the best of you—take control of your health and wellbeing today!