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I’m now in sunny Florida at my parents’ house for spring break, and I decided that I would use this week to set a new goal for myself to help me with my weight loss: DESTRESS!
“But wait, “ you may say. “Shouldn’t I take this time to work even harder? How does some good R&R help with shedding the pounds?”
Don’t get me wrong. I’m going to kick up my cardio this week now that I have more time do things for me. But that’s my main goal this break. I need to do more things for me. I neglect myself far too much, and it actually takes a toll health.
Stress actually makes you fat. Can you believe it? All that time you thought putting pressure on yourself to get into a good college, to pay your bills on time, to finally graduate and get a job was a good thing. But the truth is, stress can cause you to pack on the pounds without you even realizing it.
According to a tip from SELF magazine, “Constant stress increases levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, and blood sugar, both of which can bring on weight gain.” The cure? Apparently repetitive laughter is the same as a “moderate workout” and lowers hormones that could otherwise eventually harm your heart.
I’m starting to realize that weight loss isn’t just about eating right and exercising often. It’s about living your life fully dedicated to what’s best for you and your wellbeing. Anyone can say they’ll diet for 10 weeks and ta-da! Be done. But healthy lifestyles and a kicking body you can be proud of don’t work like that. It takes dedication to break bad habits, form new good ones, and actually choose to treat yourself the way you deserve to be treated—both physically and mentally.
I’m a stressed out gal. I work two jobs plus the normal daily grind of a college student like most of us deal with. Sure, it’s great to thrive on deadlines, but man, stress can shoot through the roof at times (like with last semester).
So this week, I’m dedicating myself to…well… me. This means I’m going to enjoy exercising the way I want to without having to worry about squeezing it in between work and studying. I’m going to sleep more than 4 hours a night (what a concept, right?) and maybe even do other things that really just me related. I’m thinking magazine reading and a facial may be overdue.
Don’t we tend to ignore ourselves? I’m not saying go all out selfish now. But maybe its time we all just sat back, had a good laugh, and took some deep cleansing breaths. We don’t need to live our lives stressed to the max 24/7 (especially if it’s just going to make it harder for us to lead a healthy life).
So I encourage all of you to join me wherever you are in your week, whether you’re still at school or on break, and treat yourself to relaxation. Let go of your stressors and focus on you for a change. After all, aren’t you worth it?
How do you relax? Let me know through email at NikkiRoberti@HerCampus.com or tweet me anytime @Nikki_Roberti.