Now that the new year has arrived, many people have resolved to increase their overall health in some form or another – whether they intend to quit smoking, buy a gym membership or pay closer attention to their diets. But, according to Huffington Post contributor Janessa Bruce, the best health-related promise you can make may have more to do with your stress levels than your waistline.
Bruce argues that, while the obesity epidemic is certainly a pressing health concern, it can't be properly addressed without acknowledging the role that consistently high amounts of stress can play.
"Stress is an economic, medical and social problem of epidemic proportion and is making us emotionally depleted, physically sick and, incidentally, fatter," writes Bruce.
She points out that, much like shedding unwanted pounds, reducing the amount of stress-based cortisol your brain instinctively releases can not be achieved overnight. Instead, it requires a range of lifestyle adjustments that will gradually help you keep this potentially destructive hormone in line.
As well as reducing the amount of caffeine and other anxiety-heightening items, Bruce suggests examining the situations in your life that bring about the most pronounced physical responses. You may want to determine if there is a way to limit your exposure to these scenarios, or at least diffuse them by speaking to other parties involved.
Certain forms of exercise can also help you work off the nervous energy that may cause you to overeat and otherwise indulge in unhealthy behaviors, but they work best if they are things you actually enjoy and can see as a personal treat at the end of a long and arduous day.
Committing to a less stressful lifestyle may seem impossible at first, but by eating a nutritious diet and making time for the activities and people you love, you'll be on the right path. Click here for information about our stress management products.e on the right path. Click here for information about our stress support supplements.