|
|
|
|
Stress is one of the most common causes of overeating. The average person must cope daily with work, families, busy schedules, personal struggles and any number of other stress producers. The demands on our lives often call for immediate results and/or gratification. Witness the ads full of FAST food, FAST approval rates at the bank, even IMMEDIATE results of promised herbal weightloss supplements. Patience and relaxation have become rare and "pricey" in our society - to relax means losing money in today's corporate and "survivor" mentalities. Ever see those ads where the woman is in fast motion, doing a million things at once? How many of us feel that way every day of our lives? I have a cousin who loves to read but she reads while she is walking from one room to another, at red lights, while waiting for the microwave to quickly heat her food and while talking on the phone. It's the only time she can fit it in! I don't recommend this as a good solution to the time crunch problem! How can you possibly enjoy what you are reading? One of the most important aspects of the Catalyst Weight Management system is the attention to self that is so necessary to unravel the often convoluted and opposing feelings surrounding being overweight; having poor health and fitness levels; and the place that a healthy diet and exercise plan have in your life. Paying attention to your own indicators of hunger, stress and emotion are huge pieces of the puzzle of what makes us overeat and very important to understand before losing weight permanently can occur. The unfortunate end result of stress is often illness and, when we eat to reduce stress (eating heavy carbs and sweets produces the chemical serotonin which makes us feel better almost immediately), another result is being overweight. It makes sense to reduce stress wherever and whenever possible in today's fast-paced world. Just BreatheThat's the lyric of a #1 hit song by Faith Hill but it's also the #1 rule in stress reduction. Most people don't even know what it's like to breathe deeply on a regular basis - unless you are a smoker (and I hope you're not). Smokers seek a deep and rhythmic breathing pattern to reduce stress and cigarettes force them to breathe in this pattern. Yes! They're actually seeking a deep breath of air more than nicotine or any other chemical additives cigarettes offer! If you don't have a regular practice of calm, rhythmic breathing, I urge you
to add the greatest stress releaser to your life now. With a little
practice, it's a stressbuster you can take and use anywhere. Some
excellent instructional tapes are The Art of Breath and
Relaxation, Breathing Rhythms,
and Benefits of Breathwork available at Gaiam.com:
A Lifestyle Destination.
Need to Vent?Don't do the slow burn. Find a friend who can let you express your true feelings. Reciprocate and trade "listening sessions." Listening to them may help YOU more than them. Harness the energy of your stress and release it safely and productively while you burn calories! Try kickboxing or martial arts. If it's videos you like, try the Tae Bo series. Another good way to vent is to find the nearest batting cages and let your stress out with every ball you hit. You can do this with a golf club on practice driving ranges too. Just make sure you concentrate on hitting the ball, nothing else! Return to the Catalyst Home Page:
1. Elizabeth Somer and Nancy L. Snyderman; Food & Mood;Owl Books, 1999.
|
|
|
