Is Stress
Beating You Up?
By
Al Sears, MD
Contrary to
what you see in many ads for weight-loss products, the stress hormone
cortisol does not directly cause weight gain. But I just came across a
convincing study showing that stress over long periods can trigger
increased insulin. And too much insulin can lead to weight gain.
Remember
that insulin is the hormone that regulates fat storage. And many of us
tend to eat high-carb, sugary "comfort foods" when we're
stressed. Here's a better way to deal with stress: Whenever you feel
stressed, turn your conscious attention to your breathing.
At first,
don't try to alter your breathing in any way. Just observe it. Do that
right now, while you're reading this. Notice which muscles you are using.
Notice the seamless transition from inhalation to exhalation. Feel it in
every part of your body. This focus of your attention is therapeutic in
itself.
Now, simply
take a little longer to exhale. Slowly, smoothly, quietly blow out just a
little more air. Feel the physical tension release, and you will forget
all about the stress.
This is a
source of great power in every sense of the word. Your muscles relax, then
recharge. Your mind becomes still, then refocused. Your cortisol levels
come down... and you are ready for the world again.
Make this a
ritual. Just five minutes of focused breathing twice a day can make a
remarkable difference
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