Does Stress Make You Fat?

When it comes to the various reasons as to why we're overweight, there can be a variety of different factors. One of  those elements can definitely be stress. Click here to read a little more about how hormones, sleep, and other components of your life can be affected by stress and contribute to weight issues. 

As mentioned before in a previous blog about de-stressing, there are a lot of things that we can do to reduce and eliminate the stress in our lives, help our bodies function normally, and avoid stress eating. Our first priority should be to pray about it and allow God to take on our problems. When we surrender to Him, we will find the peace and rest that we need. 

Not only do we need the rest that results from being calm and at ease, but also the kind of rest that results from adequate sleep. Without good sleep, we won't function properly and our hormones and body chemistry will be all messed up and can translate into more bad eating choices (as mentioned in the article). Why add to the stress by piling on more pounds to weigh us down?!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope you have found the article and previous blog helpful in dealing with whatever stress you have in your life. Personally, I have to think about that post a lot because I have had a lot going on and need to de-stress myself. Prayer, exercise, talking and laughing with friends, and trying to get the sleep I need helps quite a bit! If I didn't engage in those outlets, I would REALLY have a hard time losing my weight because I would be depressed and binge eating all the time. It really helps to find positive ways to unwind so that stress doesn't translate into more stress when you get on the scale and then wonder what happened. No one wants that! Relax! Lean on Him and the people He places in your life to help you (including me! I'm here for you!). Be infused! God bless you!

How to De-Stress

Stress. We all have it in our lives, unfortunately. The question is, how do we manage it? It isn't easy, but there are lots of things that we can do to effectively de-stress and feel better!

Our obvious (although, maybe often ignored) first response to stress should be prayer. It's the greatest success tool we have in overcoming the things that weigh on us by allowing Christ to take on our burdens. God urges us to cast our cares on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). He also assures us not to be troubled or afraid and that He gives us peace and rest (Matthew 11:28, John 14:26).

Additionally, we can reduce stress by utilizing various methods to vent. For example, when I'm stressed or upset, I often talk to my close friends (especially my best friend, Sarah). Having adequate support is VERY helpful! Family and friends who are there to listen, advise, and comfort you when you're overwhelmed goes a long way in helping alleviate the burdens on our shoulders! I don't know what I would do without Sarah! We've shared each other's laughter and tears and she greatly enriches my life; enhancing my best moments and lifting me up in my worst. Having friends like that is essential!!

Other effective stress relievers can be journaling, participating in creative activities and hobbies, and exercising. Just find something that you enjoy doing that helps you to unwind and relax. The possibilities are endless! Just make sure you take some time for "you" and choose constructive ways to unburden yourself.

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope that this blog has been a gentle reminder that no matter what you're facing, there are ways of coping. Rely on the strength of Jesus to get you through. Come to Him in prayer and allow Him to help you. Also, use the gifts, talents, and interests that He has blessed you with to make a difference in the world. You'll minister to others and yourself at the same time and feel a whole lot better! Do things that you love and you'll be doing a great service for Him, others, and yourself too! Be infused! God bless you!