Hey there, Tushkateers* (as well as devotees of Our Lady of Weight Loss) across the land who are under undo stress (who isn’t?), whose cortisol levels are on the rise (who’s levels aren’t?); whose weigh-in number causes them to gasp (audible gasp here)!   I thought today might be as good a day as any to look at ways–7 anti-gravity ways—to short circuit stress.   Please read, ingest, weigh-in and find solace in the fact that there’s no man-eating lion chasing you!  (There isn’t, is there? If there is, please take selfie with lion and post!)

Threatened and Stressed:  When we feel threatened or stressed, our neuroendocrine system kicks into high gear and releases a series of hormones. One of those hormones is Cortisol, which gives us the biochemical strength we need to fight or flee our stressors.

Back in the day, this served us well. We needed to replenish our bodies after a bout with a man-eating lion. Cortisol was a life-saver!

In modern times, however, most of our stress comes to us in a less physical form from balancing our checkbooks, filling out college applications to making car payments.  Yet, we are still hard-wired to release the same hunger-causing hormones as our loin-cloth wearing ancestors. The stress is still there, but the physical exertion isn’t.

We can’t help feeling hungry, but we can work at ways to feel less stressed, which will keep the food cravings in check.

Here are 7 ways to short circuit stress and weight gain:

1. Exercise: Still the best stress-buster in town.

2. Never Skip a Meal: Keep the blood sugar levels even.

3. Restful sleep: When we don’t get enough rest, Cortisol levels rise!

4. Relax: What activities make you feel relaxed and calm?

5. Deep Breathing Exercises: Take a moment to stop everything and breathe!

6. Meditate: Sit and center yourself. Take a spiritual break.

7. Avoid caffeine, cigarettes and alcohol: All three can cause Cortisol levels to rise.

If you can’t keep those Cortisol levels down, and the refrigerator is calling you, choose wisely. Fruit and veggies over the three C’s (cake, cookies, candy)!

How do you manage stress?  Do tell! Please!

For (almost) daily motivational musings from our country’s premiere Anti-Gravity Coach, Janice Taylor (that’s me), join Our Lady of Weight Loss’s Kick in the Tush Club/FB! *Tushkateer=Member of the Kick in the Tush Club