Finding Time for Yourself & How it Affects Your Weight

Finding Time for Yourself & How it Affects Your Weight

Most of us have heard by now that stress reduction is the key to a happy and healthy life, but remember that de-stressing can also help you lose weight.

Elevated stress levels can wreak havoc on our hormones causing excess fat storage, especially the visceral fat around our organs. Our days get so packed full of things that need to be done, that we often forget to just “be”.

Ask yourself where do you feel the most relaxed? Is it at home with a good book, going on a walk, maybe sitting in silence for a few minutes? If you don’t have a special quiet place, maybe look to create one. Save a little time in the day to make you a priority. Taking care of yourself will pay off in more ways than one!

With nice weather (hopefully) just around the corner, remember that we only get a few short months of this wonderful weather so get outdoors and enjoy it! Have a picnic in a park and play Frisbee, catch, or hula hoop with your kids. Plan to hike on a new trail that you’ve wanted to check out. (Suggestion to all our Bozemanites: Triple Tree Trail is a beautiful, moderate, easy to hike trail just a few miles from downtown!). Bike riding is also a fantastic way to get exercise while also clearing your mind and getting fresh air!

Lastly, remember that behavior modification is important to long lasting weight loss. Remember to make your rewards non-food related. For example: when you reach your first small goal; reward yourself with a new outfit or a soak at Chico Hot Springs with friends. Also, during stressful times, we tend to say things like “I deserve this {insert unhealthy food/drink here}. But, you deserve so much more than just that quick fix! You deserve a healthier happier you!

“Don’t give up what you want most for what you want now”