Coach Hilary here to let you know that even though you might be stressed to the max right now, there are still small, practical steps you can take to cope with that stress and stay healthy.
But first, why am I talking about stress?
Like it’s not enough to live with stress, now I’ve got to be talking about it too?!
Agh…. not fun…!!!
But the truth is that it sure is important to acknowledge stress so you can reduce it or cope with it a little better.
Think of it like aiming for a 1% improvement….you may not be able to change the stressors in your life, but if you can manage the impact on your body 1% better, then you’ll stay healthier and more able to handle the stress.
Worthwhile, yes?
Truth: what are some of the effects of stress on your body?
I’m the first person to pretend that stress is no big deal, so if you’re like me, then the two of us need to have a “Come to Buddha” moment and get real about how stress IS affecting our bodies….
● Stress increases cortisol production associated with weight gain (especially in the belly), an inability to lose weight or gain muscle and premature aging
● Stress decreases nutrient absorption due to decreased enzymatic production from the stomach, pancreas and liver and decreased bile flow from the gall bladder
● Stress increases nutrient excretion such as urinary loss of calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, chromium, selenium and microminerals (Did you know most type 2 diabetics have low magnesium levels because of this? Did you know that increasing magnesium levels can help a type 2 diabetic control insulin levels?)
● Stress decreases gut flora populations by destroying healthy intestinal bacteria and can lead to immune problems, skin disorders, nutrient deficiencies, and digestive distress (Taking a good probiotic supplement can be super helpful for people under a lot of stress and has a gazillion other benefits too!)
● Stress increases salt retention which can lead to high blood pressure
● Stress decreases the thyroid hormone which can negatively affect your metabolism
● Stress decreases sex hormones which leads to loss of libido and low energy
But you’re not reading this just to talk about problems, you’re reading to find solutions! So read on…
How can I reduce or cope better with stress?
Remember, since we can’t always control the stress in our lives, the goal is to reduce our experience of stress by even 1%.
Here’s how you can do that, starting NOW:
● Look at your calendar for the next 7 days. What’s one activity you’ve committed to that you can cancel?
● Look at your to-do list. What’s one item you can delegate to someone else in the next 24 hours?
● Consider your schedule today. Where can you fit in 20 minutes for yourself —where you’re not taking care of anyone else or being “productive”—so you can just relax and play and do something mindless?
● Look at your calendar for tomorrow. Where can you fit in a 10-minute walk or physical yardwork outside? The fresh air and movement will help you cope waaay better with stress.
● Before your next meal, try what I call the “5-5-7” breath. Inhale for a count of 5, hold your breath for a count of 5, then exhale for a count of 7. Repeat at least 3 times. This gives your body a chance to relax before your meal, which will increase your digestive capacity and help your body pull more nutrients from the food you’re eating. Essentially – it will “trick” even the most stressed out body – out of the stress response. If you are breathing relaxed and calm – the mind will “think” you are relaxed and calm!
What do I do now?
If you feel too stressed to relax, and you KNOW it’s affecting your health, your weight and your energy levels, then message me about how to reduce or cope better with the stress in your life, I have been helping a lot of folks with some free help on anxiety over the last few months with all the COVID action as for some people, that human interaction, human contact skin to skin, it is the only thing they have going for them to calm them down! This is a very stressful time! I am sorry I’ve been too busy to post or do updates very often but I am slowly getting through my coaching waitlist and trying to help many folks in my “free” time!
Stay Safe and Just Breathe!
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