CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK

Challenge if the Week: De-Stress Your Life for the Week….

Many of us are CHRONICALLY STRESSED OUT.  CHRONIC STRESS = FAT STORING MODE 

You could be doing EVERYTHING right with your diet and exercise, but if you are still holding on to a few extra pounds (especially in your belly), then there’s a very good chance it could be because of your stress levels.

We all have a hormone in our body called Cortisol.  Cortisol is our body’s natural “fight-or-flight” hormone and is dubbed our “stress hormone.”

When we’re being attacked by a bear in the woods, Cortisol and Adrenaline (Epinephrine) in our bodies shoot up, allowing us to be able to have clear focus on the situation and giving us the energy to sprint as fast as we can away from the bear.

The main problem is, we are NOT sprinting away from a bear.  We are stressed out at work, sitting in traffic, or dealing with personal situations that are causing us CHRONIC levels of increased cortisol.

Now…..all of that sugar has been released into our bloodstream for sprinting in the woods, except we’re not sprinting anywhere…..so it’s all getting STORED AS BELLY FAT. 

Cortisol also reduces your immune system.

So when you’re chronically exposed to stress, your immune system is chronically compromised.

Chronic Stress is one of the main contributors to weight gain and obesity, getting sick, having less energy, and depression.

The GOOD NEWS is that stress levels CAN BE MANAGED with a little persistence and dedication to the process. 

Here are a few Ways to Decrease Your Stress:

• Exercise (this will DEFINITELY HELP)
• Reduce your Sugar Intake (in fact, try to eliminate all HFCS--high fructose corn syrup)
• Try Meditation or Yoga
• Start taking Omega 3′s (fish oil)
• Disconnect:  Turn OFF your Computer & Cell for at least an hour
• Try to find at LEAST 10-15 min a day of peace and quiet
• Find 10-15 minutes to be outside in the sunshine
• Get a Massage!

So….this week’s Challenge of the Week is to Focus on DE-STRESSING Your Life. 

I challenge you to spend at least 30-60 minutes EVERY day this week, focused on relaxing, resting, and de-stressing.

Sometimes taking time for yourself is the hardest thing to do- but by taking care of yourself, you are able to handle everything and everyone that comes along more easily.   ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE!?