Stress and healthy Lifestyle are opposites to each other and consequently create obstacles in your health schedule, and by the time you realize it takes its toll on you. I practically experienced it myself. Yes…. In spite of me being a health freak and trying to inspire all of you, stress took over me and I was derailed from my healthy living and I didn’t even realize it until a few days back. 🙂
Since a month I have been eating irregularly and also more carbs than required. I kept convincing myself that today is my cheat day and only for a day, but it continued every day for a month. I started craving sweets again and gave in to my temptations. I felt lethargic and de-motivated and super lazy to exercise.
Last week just for fun I logged into my food diary and noted everything I ate that day. By the end of the day I was in for a great shock. I couldn’t believe what I saw. Next day I climbed on the weighing scale and that left me speechless. I was on the verge of tears. My food diary showed 1000 extra calorie consumption which was way more that required and I had gained 5 pounds. No wonder I wasn’t fitting into my favorite trouser. 🙁
Instead of feeling depressed and going further deep into stress I decided to pump up my mood and get back to a healthy routine. The first thing in the morning I started with my exercise routine. I kept a log for my hydration and filled my refrigerator with healthy green leafy vegetables and salads and fruits and lots of protein. All those weight gaining bad carbs were kicked out of my house and good carbs and whole grains were respectfully welcomed.
In about 2 days I felt rejuvenated, healthy, active and full of ideas and excitement and I was the same energetic young woman again. At that point I realized the difference between good eating and bad eating and the power of my will.
So the point of the story is to stay focused even if stressed to avoid regrets later. The more you focus on healthy living the better you will be able to conquer stress. I have learnt my lesson and there is no looking back for me.
Though I have shared earlier on how to stay focused while stressed sometimes it’s difficult to follow every bit of it because stress can overrule you. So here are some tips on how I managed my stress while staying healthy.
1. I changed my attitude. The moment I realized that stress was over taking me I decided to fight it back instead of self-sympathizing. My first move towards this step was to do stuffs that made me happy and brought a smile on my face like jogging outside in nature, some healthy creative cooking, watching my favorite romantic movies and dancing like crazy. 🙂
2. I started socializing more with like-minded friends and relatives took care to dress up.
3. I made sure that I got approximately 8 hours of sleep everyday which surprisingly helped my digestive system.
4. I started thinking positive and organized my work schedule and family time more efficiently in order to reduce stress.
Sometimes stress can also cause some medical complications for which one should not hesitate to seek professional help for stress management. Our busy lifestyle causes stress for us and there should not be any shame or hesitation to discuss our problems with the experts. I always believe in ‘taking care now rather than being sorry later.’
Health tip of the day
“Stay healthy and focused to be able to fight stress”
References:
Deepika says
Loved this article. Few years back I went through this phase and changing attitude helped me come out of it.
kaitie says
“Stay healthy and focused to be able to fight stress” – the best motto and well done to round up your post. I couldn’t agree more about fighting stress since these days there’s always just so much to go around!
Kim says
It is amazing how easy it is to slip back into old habits. I did the same thing this year! I’m still working on losing the weight and getting back to my better lifestyle.
Brooke Knipp says
It’s crazy how connected everything is! Good for you for taking such quick action once you became aware of what you had slipped into.
Leslie says
I have been slacking off on all my healthy ways, having little treats here and there, not exercising because it’s too hot and I don’t have time. I don’t want to lose all the ground I’ve gained. Thanks for the motivation!
Mary says
Wonderful post! Your number #1 change seems to always help me start to manage my stress a little more.
Tiara says
I cannot agree with you more. I have been so stressed lately and it is definitely not healthy at all. It causes more problems with me, with unusual eating habits, sleeping more, all kinds of emotions! It’s hard.
yanique says
Anxiety and stress are so destructive when you are trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I love the tips you suggest for combatting these negative feelings.
Ashleigh says
I totally agree with all this. I’m a pretty uptight/ stressful person and really working on not letting it get me down. Since having my 3rd child, I’ve found that I’ve been more relaxed. Thank you for sharing!
Jessica @ Moxie and Mischief says
Such a great post with a lot of points to think about!
Amy @Planning Playtime says
Anxiety and stress totally kills my healthy eating habits. I’m fighting it right now, and it drives me crazy. Thanks for the inspiration.
JcCee says
Stress can be something else! My body act so different when I do not get the required amount of sleep. It is great that you are able to get back on track. Thanks for sharing.
Adrienne says
This is so true. When I am stressed, I feel it throughout my entire body. I get tension headaches, and I start eating unhealthy comfort foods. You gave some really good tips on how to handle the anxiety.
Ali A says
Totally agree with this. I have a fast-paced/stressful job along with a long commute, and when things get out of control and I work late and am overly stressed out, my health takes a backseat. I skip the gym, I oversleep in the mornings, I eat badly, don’t drink enough water, etc. I then end up feeling awful & it makes things worse. Stressful times are when you NEED to take care of yourself more!
Suzi T says
the point about sleeping is very important.