Too much to do and not enough time to do it? Life demands your attention so often it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Chronically overloading your schedule can lead to stress and ultimately, weight gain. There are simple ways to manage stress, stay healthy and still get everything done.
Responding to life’s urgencies and reacting to every problem means you are not in charge of your own life. You will likely feel anxiety, stress and frustration when living this way. When stress levels increase on a regular basis, your body will overproduce hormones like cortisol, potentially causing weight gain.
While gaining weight is a problem of its own, the constant stress you feel can compromise energy and immunity levels. Bottom line: Too much stress as a result of living in “reaction mode” will leave you overweight, tired and sick.
To feel in control again – and shed a few pounds – it’s critical to put certain habits in place. When you begin each day, start by taking time for yourself. Let go of any excuse that you “don’t have the time” and set aside 15 minutes for enjoyment. Spend this time doing things that make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
You may want to read, exercise, meditate or journal. After two weeks of doing these activities you will find that your days are less stressful and more enjoyable. Your mind will be free of worrying thoughts and urgent to-do’s so you can think more clearly and focus your attention where it’s needed.
Slowly increase the amount of time you set aside for your morning time while implementing the same activities in the evening before bed. Many of us never take the solitary time we need to process the events in our lives or to set goals for our future. Unsuccessful people allow life to happen at them, and those who create a successful life know that time alone is crucial.
Think of how centered, focused, healthy and energetic you will be when you make your own self a priority. You may notice a positive effect on your our family, career and personal fulfillment just from taking small amounts of time to enjoy your mornings and evenings. It sounds simple, but most of us make excuses and don’t do the small things that add up to big results. Make this commitment to yourself today.
There will probably never be a time when you don’t have responsibilities or things to get done. While it’s easy to feel overloaded and anxious with so many things to do, remember that you can be in control of your life. Taking out morning and evening time just for your own needs will put you emotionally in charge of your daily life. You will feel powerful and confident, and you will notice other areas of your life begin to change.
Feeling healthy, energetic and stress-free comes from making simple changes in your daily life. Take the time today to make self-care a priority and notice how your life changes in a positive way.
– Katie Humphrey
As a keynote speaker, empowerment coach, author and spokesperson, Katie Humphrey inspires women to feel fit, confident and motivated. Her dynamic Revolution of YOU brand helps overwhelmed and stressed out women confidently reach their goals.
Visit Katie’s Website.
