Managing Stress

Let's talk a little about a few things that cause us stress especially during this time of the year which is the holiday season. It may be a plethora of things that cause us stress. Living arrangements, weight management, relationships, finances, employer, family, illness of yourself or loved a one, bills and a host of obligations. In this day and time, the deployment of a loved one to another country and or war zon, especially during the holidays. Now how does this stress affect our bodies. It affects our bodies in a host of ways. Stress causes cortisol to be released in the system. Thit may lead to heart disease, stroke, hypertension, weight gain, and a host of other possible medical issues.

So how do we relieve stress. Actually, those stress relievers are up to each individual and what is beneficial for that individuals body. Weight management, biking, running, yoga, music, a brisk walk that elevates your heart rate within your target heart rate, swimming, weight training, etc. But we must be aware that any activity that becomes obsessive can become very stressful on the body as well.

Let's talk a little about weight management, one intitiy of relieving stress. Now we know that nutrition plays an enormous role in our weight management along with excercise. Do I have to count calories to lose weight you may ask. Well just keep in mind that your output must exceed your input. Cutting 500 calories per day will lead to weight loss of approximately one to one and a half pounds per week. It takes an approximate 3500 calories per week to burn one pound. We also have to be mindful of portion sizes when preparing and consuming meals.

Now this 500 calorie deficit can be accomplished in more than one way. You can use that 500 calories by increasing your activity and or cutting 500 calories from your intake. Eating three small meals with two snacks is a great start. Breakfast like a king, lunch like a queen, dinner like a pauper with two small snacks in between. Also keep in mind that being fit does not necessarily mean that you are healthy and stress free. Being healthy means mentally, spiritually, as well as physically fit. So how do you know if you are both healthy and fit? My suggestion would be to see your physician and have a physical and complete blood work completed. So taking care of all of these entities contributes drastically to your health and less stress.


So let's get started today and relieve the stress. Oh and not to mention meditation and laughter as often as possible are also great stress releases. I am always available by email to assist you in your life makeover. hardbodydf@yahoo.com. I look forward to hearing from you.