Five Ways To Beat Stress and Improve Your Weight Loss

We’ve all heard that “Stress Kills,” but did you know high stress levels could also hinder your weight loss? Here are some tips that will help you lead a healthier lifestyle and at the same time give your body the chance to function optimally.

• Regular exercise helps lower your stress and at the same time increases your endorphins, the chemical your body produces to help you just plain feel good. If you suffer from tight neck and shoulder muscles when you're stressed, then a light exercise plan as simple as walking 30 minutes a day will help loosen up those muscles and eliminate the tightness you feel.
• Get plenty of sleep. Your body needs at least seven to eight hours a night. Sometimes stress and overwork make us lose sleep or shorten our sleep cycles when, in fact, a good night’s sleep is critical to keeping your stress levels down. Studies have shown that sleep-deprived people have higher stress levels. Once you accept the limits of time, you will sleep better at night.
• Drink plenty of water, the equivalent of eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. Water helps to keep your body functioning properly by ridding it of toxins.
• Limit consumption of alcohol, caffeine, tobacco and sugar. Though you may sometimes want to reach for these substances in stressful times, studies have shown that they cause the stress response to become heightened. When you feel stressed, go for a walk, stretch or just think positive thoughts.
• Take timeouts for yourself. Get in the habit of taking five to 15 minutes out of your day to be alone and reconnect with your inner self. Take a few minutes to pray, meditate, or concentrate on positive thoughts. Studies show that people who do these things are able to dispel stress and increase their level of happy hormones.

Make these stress-busters a part of your life, and you'll be surprised how quickly you become immune to common stressors. You'll also probably notice that you're more effective in your work, more loving in your relationships, and happier in your skin!