The Stress and Obesity Link
Research shows that as many as 89% of medical office visits are for stress-related illnesses. Additionally, research today finds a direct link between stress and overweight. What is the connection?
Stress and Obesity Link
Simply put, chronic stress activates stress hormones in the body. When these hormones pulse through the body, a natural response ensues - slowing of metabolism to conserve calories for the anticipated danger that lies ahead. When stress hormones are constantly secreted, the metabolism adjusts to a slower rate, resulting in weight gain.
Tips for Managing Stress
- visualize a favorite place or person and shift focus to that vision for a moment when you feel stressed
- breathe slowly and deeply, visualizing stress releasing with each outbreath
- leave your desk at lunchtime and go outside if possible
- connect socially with colleagues on a regular basis
- exercise daily in a way that is enjoyable
- eat a hearty breakfast and lunch; have healthy snacks available
- get adequate rest
- develop a hobby that interests you
How Wellness and You Helps
Wellness and You provides dynamic interactive workshops that educate employees on the negative effects of unmanaged stress and the benefits of recognizing and managing stress.
A sampling of Stress Management Workshops offered by Wellness and You:
- Stress Management 101
- The Stress/Weight Gain Connection
- Meditation and Guided Imagery for Stress Management
A key factor in managing stress is recognizing two key elements:
- simply by being alive we will encounter stressful situations
- while we cannot control many stressful situations, we can always manage our response to them
Contact Wellness and You today to plan your stress management workshop.