We've all been guilty of not getting enough sleep and that feeling of being overwhelmed and truly stressed out. I have clients who are doing all of the right things, eating well and exercising, and the results are slow or the belly fat is just hanging on, but the definition is coming to the arms and legs. Most likely the cause is either too much stress or not enough sleep and often it's the combination of the two. There is a direct link between the fight or flight hormone that's released (Cortisol) and visceral (belly) fat. When cortisol levels are high for an extended amount of time in can also increase your belly fat. Seriously!! Unfortunately, for some people all this hard work and little effort causes them to stress even more! When you are stressed, you don't sleep well, causing the entire cycle to just keep repeating.
Okay, so now what? You have a stressful job, day, life, I get it. How can you reduce the amount of stress in your life? Learn to delegate. In your job and at home, ask people to help with or take care of the things you don't need to do yourself. No, you really don't need to do everything! Enlist your kids to help with chores, enlist your spouse to help with cooking or shopping. Ask a co-worker for some help on a project, or ask your boss for a little more time so that you can do the best job possible. I do understand that you get asked to take on more and more at work, but you truly can say no. If you open the lines of communication with your boss (keep it about work, not outside of work) and explain the project load you are already under. Come up with a plan to extend the deadline, take something off of your plate, or shift responsibilities. Your boss would be much happier with that opening conversation than coming to them later when everything has fallen apart, or stating that you couldn't make x, y or z happen.
Take a walk. Exercise is a great stress reducer. Even a 10 minute walk will help you clear your mind and you'll be able to refocus your energy, as well as boost your happiness levels!
Our electronic devises are huge stressors for us. We love them, but they also allow the impression that we are always working or available to others. Turn them off or on silent on the drive home, during dinner time, and after whatever time you've decided that you no longer should be working. For me, it was 6:30 pm. I turned my phone to silent so I could actually be present and enjoy the moments with my family.
Sleep is another big thing we don't get enough of. Try turning in a half hour earlier. Maybe don't sleep, but read a book or write your to-do list for the next day. Spend a few moments being grateful for the good things that happened today. If you get in the habit of putting yourself to bed earlier, your body will adjust and you'll be able to fall asleep sooner too!
I know it's hard, but reducing the stress in your life and getting more sleep is going to make you feel better, be healthier and look better in that bathing suit!
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