Picture this – your deadline for a task is fast approaching and you realise that the amount of work pending is huge. It seems nearly impossible to finish but if your submission does not happen within the specified timeframe, you know that your job is at stake. You dread to think about your home loan EMI, car loan, personal loan other monthly expenses – a long list, but that’s reality.
And if that was not enough, a few of your co-workers have been giving you a tough time. Forget work life balance, the long hours that you put in each day seem like never-ending and you’re almost sure that you won’t be rewarded, come what may. Office politics, strained relationships with seniors or co-workers, job insecurity, your constant worry, increasing anxiety, lack of sleep and overeating – if you’re able to relate to these, chances are you’re undergoing severe stress.
Stress and overeating
Stress can play havoc taking a toll on your overall health –leading to obesity, digestion issues not to mention the strain in your relations with family members. When you’re stressed, studies say that the stress hormone, cortisol, also called a fight or flight hormone gets released.
This leads to an increase in appetite or rather craving in many people, for some kind of a comfort food – the ones that are high in fat, sugar leading to snacking at regular intervals. Before you realise, your over-indulgence in high calorie food, has led to increase in fat around your abdomen. Your risk of obesity increases.
Now that you’re aware about the link between stress and weight-gain here are a few ways to manage the same:
Drink plenty of water: Firstly, ensure that you keep yourself hydrated well. It boosts metabolism. Besides, when you feel full, the chances of you reaching out for a snack is limited.
Healthy eats: Ensure that your favourite fruits, vegetables are easily accessible. Pick from apples, bananas, oranges to broccoli and other veggies such as spinach, carrots. Greens are known to reduce stress while beans will go a long way in adding fibre.
Eat nutritious food: Eat eggs regularly in whichever form you choose. Besides, you could also consider chicken, tofu to name a few as per your choice.
Consume curd regularly: That bowl of curd packs a punch. Not only does it have a calming effect on your gut, it helps in digestion too.
Additionally, ensure that you take on some physical activity. From a simple daily walk to playing a sport, your fitness journey can begin here.
You’re Stronger Than You Think
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, but remember—you are much stronger than you realize. Tough times may make you feel stuck or lost, but you’ve overcome challenges before and you will again. Life’s difficulties don’t define you; your resilience and determination do. Keep moving forward, even if it’s one small step at a time. Staying fit during life’s challenges isn’t just about physical strength—it’s about supporting your mind and spirit too.
