How many times in a week do you think or say out loud “I am just so stressed”?! It’s like that unwanted guest who crashes your party. Did you know it’s not just your mood that takes a hit when stress comes knocking? Stress can also sneakily sabotage your weight loss and fitness goals. Stress has a huge impact on your body, and can affect your fitness journey.

First up is cortisol, aka the stress hormone. When you’re stressed, your body pumps out cortisol like it’s going out of style. While it’s handy in small doses (hello, fight or flight response!), chronically high levels can wreak havoc on your waistline. How? Well, cortisol loves to hang onto fat, especially around your midsection. So, even if you’re eating right and hitting the gym regularly, stubborn belly fat might stick around if stress is constantly cranking up your cortisol levels.

Let’s not forget about our old pal, emotional eating. Hands up if you’ve ever reached for a tub of ice cream after a tough day at work. 🙋‍♀️ Stress has a funny way of messing with our cravings, often leading us straight into the arms of comfort foods. And while a little indulgence now and then is totally fine (hey, balance is key!), relying on food to soothe stress can throw a wrench in your weight loss plans.

Stress can also have a detrimental effect on your workout routine. Ever notice how tough it is to muster up the motivation to hit the gym when you’re feeling overwhelmed? Blame it on stress. Not only does it zap your energy levels, but it can also mess with your sleep, leaving you feeling drained and less inclined to lace up those sneakers. High stress levels can increase inflammation in your body, making it harder to recover from tough workouts and potentially leading to injuries.

So, what’s a gal to do? Well, first off, cut yourself some slack. Dealing with stress is tough, and nobody’s expecting you to be superwoman. Take time to prioritize self-care, a 30-minute strength workout at home, a walk outside, read a book for fun, sit in a quiet room with a cup of tea, dance in your kitchen, walking the aisles of Target- whatever increases your mental health! Find healthy ways to cope with stress that don’t involve raiding the cookie jar (as tempting as it may be!). Focus on nourishing your body with good food, moving in a way that feels good, and giving yourself grace on those days when stress threatens to throw you off track. You’ve got this, girl!

Ready to reclaim your well-being and crush your fitness goals? Join my 6-week health and fitness program designed to help you not only shed those stubborn pounds but also manage stress effectively. With strategies and support, you’ll learn to navigate stress without turning to food, find motivation for your workouts, and achieve a balanced mind-body connection. Click the link below to reserve your spot and kickstart your journey to a happier, healthier you today!

https://lorenmattingly.com/the-faster-way

What’s your go-to way to manage stress?  Let me know in the comments below!