Avoid Stress And Lose Unwanted Fat

Over the years it has been proven time and again that stress plays an important part in weight gain. So immediate action needs to be taken to protect against gaining unwanted fat.

When obstacles pop up, ask yourself how stressful the situation really is: Will this matter in three months? Three years? For issues with long-term repercussions, write down exactly what you think the problem is or how the situation needs to change. Brainstorm about what you can do to move toward a better outcome, itemize the steps that must be taken, then create a concrete plan of action.

Firstly survey your support system. Make a list of people you could turn to for advice and hands-on help in a pinch. You'll probably realize you have more people to rely on for emotional, practical, or financial support than you thought you did. Knowing that they're there can mitigate the effects of stress and make you feel more resilient.

Massages are great for stress relief. Short massages now offered in salons, malls, and airports can work wonders on chipping away accumulated stress. Even a 15-minute massage can calm nerves. Some find that playing games on the internet also relax them. Because you're distracted from your worries by the game, your nervous system can relax. So find a game you like, one you become so absorbed in that you lose all track of time, and play it daily.

Try looking on the brighter side of things. Focusing on what you're grateful for flips a switch in your brain. When you let good things take center stage, the stressful ones can recede. Make a list of some specific things you're thankful for. With daily practice, gratitude will soon become a more natural state of mind.

If at all possible turn off the TV. Depressing news can make you feel anxious when you're already keyed up, and a TV hits you with both visual and aural stimulation. Consider a quieter, more single-sensory form of news—like the morning paper or the car radio. When in the car, take the scenic route whenever possible, get off crowded city streets and busy highways. Studies have showed that the frustrations of commuting are somewhat eased if you travel down streets with views of vegetation.

Periodically, focus on the areas of your body that are most vulnerable to stress-related muscle tension. Consciously release the muscles in your forehead, eyes, lips, tongue, jaw, lower back, and toes. The same apply to negative thoughts – let them go and try thinking about something more upbeat.

Meanwhile, try turning things around by helping a colleague who's in a jam, or sign up to mentor a student, or volunteer at a shelter. Reaching out to others gets you away from your own worries, puts things in perspective, and can make you feel better about yourself and your circumstances.

Finally, having a good belly laugh can relax your whole body.