What is stress?
Before elaborating on how stress affects one emotionally, physically and mentally, one must know what stress is and how it is defined.

Stress is the body’s reaction to any type of physical, or emotional change that requires the body to respond or adjust in both a positive or negative way. This natural process is experienced by everyone on a daily basis and can result from everyday responsibilities as small as being stuck in traffic, or as big as the death of a loved one. Stress can be positive in the way that your body energizes your system within you to meet the challenge you are facing, given that it is temporary. Your body will release hormones to increase your heart rate and get your muscles ready to respond. However, stress can have negative effects on your body and mind if your stress levels are prolonged. This continuous stress is then called distress and can result in problems such as headaches, tense muscles, erectile dysfunction, fertility problems, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and can lead to heart attacks. Chronic stress symptoms include anxiety, headaches, depression, insomnia, etc.

Stress can be both positive or negative.
Any kind of changes including physical, mental and emotional that would require the body to respond or adjust.

What is the cause of my stress?
Understanding what causes this impulse to eat will help you solve the problem at its roots.

How Does Stress Effect Weight Loss or Weight Gain?
The body’s response to change comes with the release of stress hormones called “cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine” that get you ready to face your challenge. These hormones are controlled by your body in times when you are stressed out. After the threat is gone, cortisol remains in your body for a long period of time. Research has shown that cortisol promotes weight gain in the abdominal area and is referred to as, “toxic fat” since its construction is closely related to heart attacks and strokes. The concluding effect of increased cortisol levels in the body is elevated appetite. You suddenly feel an urge to reach into your cabinet or fridge for snacks or “comfort food,” and your hunger is not completely satisfied once you are full. Generally, this process is known as emotional eating or stress eating. Even though the body is not hungry, the emotions dictate when and how much one eats resulting in excess and unwanted calories.

Of course, overeating is not the only cause of stress that adds on the kilograms that you don’t need. Stress also affects sleep, motivation, exercise habits and alcohol consumption in a negative manner and can be another cause of weight gain.
How to Relieve Stress and Stop Stress Eating
There are many ways you can relieve stress and remain calm in tough situations including meditation, exercise, social support, and seeking professional help. Ask yourself “What is the cause of my stress?” Understanding what causes this impulse to eat will help you solve the problem at its roots. Easier said than done, however, it is recommended that you seek professional help once you do realize the source of your problems.

We recommend you maintain a healthy meal schedule, remind yourself to keep hydrated, and keep active. Exercise will boost your mood and reduce stress by releasing “happy hormones” throughout your body.

At Rosan Holistic Clinic
It is very important to understand the dangers of remaining in a stressed state of mind and body. As mentioned before, distress causes many complications to the mind, body and soul. Some complications include heart attacks, cancer, stroke, and stress eating. Scientists believe that stress is correlated with many diseases even though not all are discovered yet.

Rosan Holistic Clinic, we offer unlimited services to relieve stress and help you remain focused on your weight loss goals with natural remedies. For more information, browse through our website and contact us at any time.