Stress. It’s not all in your head.

Stress. It’s not all in your head.

Stress. It’s not all in your head. Far from it. 

While stress is commonly associated with psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression, it can also have a significant impact on our physical and emotional wellbeing.

 

MIND BODY CONNECTION

There is a strong connection between the body and mind, and research has shown that the state of the body can have an impact on the mind.

The mind-body connection refers to the idea that our mental and emotional states can affect our physical health and vice versa. This means that the health of our mind and body are closely connected and can influence each other.

For example, stress and negative emotions can affect our physical health by increasing the production of stress hormones. The stress hormone cortisol can impact on various bodily systems, including the immune system, digestive system, and cardiovascular system, which can lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach-aches, and a weakened immune system.

On the other hand, physical illness or injury can also affect our mental and emotional wellbeing, leading to feelings of sadness, anxiety, or frustration.

Additionally, stress can also interfere with brain function and cognitive abilities, leading to problems with memory, focus, and decision-making.

Here are some of the many physical and emotional symptoms of stress.

 

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS OF STRESS

– Headaches
– Muscle tension and pain
– Chest pain or heart palpitations
– Fatigue
– Insomnia or disturbed sleep
– Stomach problems, such as nausea, indigestion, and diarrhoea
– Skin breakouts, such as hives and rashes
– Decreased libido or sexual dysfunction

 

EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS OF STRESS

– Anxiety
– Depression
– Irritability and anger
– Restlessness and nervousness
– Lack of motivation or interest in life
– Increased feelings of sadness or hopelessness
– Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
– Negative self-talk and low self-esteem

 

IMPACTS OF STRESS

Chronic stress can lead to a range of health problems and can have a significant impact on our daily life. It is important that we are able to recognise the symptoms of stress and seek help if needed to manage its impact on our health, wellbeing and quality of life.

– Chronic stress can lead to a range of health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
Stress can weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infections and illnesses.
Chronic stress can also contribute to depression and anxiety, as well as other mental health conditions.
– Stress can interfere with relationships and cause strain and conflict in personal and professional relationships.
– It can also lead to decreased productivity, as stress can make it difficult to focus and complete tasks efficiently.

All of which makes it abundantly clear that stress is not just “all in your head.”

 

HEALING FROM STRESS

Healing from stress for midlife women can improve emotional wellbeing, reduce anxiety, increase self-awareness and self-esteem, better relationships with others, and improve physical health.

Mindset techniques such as positive thinking, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioural therapy can help women manage and overcome negative thought patterns and emotions.

Healing practices such as yoga, meditation, and therapy can also help women process and release past traumas, and develop greater self-compassion and self-acceptance.

Additionally, many women find that as they age, they become more self-confident and self-assured, and are better able to set boundaries and make choices that align with their values and needs.

CREATE YOUR PERSONAL WELLNESS PLAN

✨ Create a crystal clear vision for the healthy, happy, balanced life you want to live
✨ Uncover the key stressors and main challenges that are sabotaging your health and life goals right now
✨ You’ll leave the session renewed, re-energised and inspired to finally make life changes to regain your health, energy and purpose once and for all

How to lose weight & keep it off

How to lose weight & keep it off

Hands up who’s put on weight during the pandemic, lockdowns and working from home? 👋🏼

Some people lose their appetite through stressful times. Not me. My daily exercise was regular trips to the fridge!

I often found myself standing at the fridge door, looking around blankly, waiting for inspiration and usually settling for more chocolate. Or cheese. Or leftovers. Or whatever was closest to me. I inhaled everything I ate then found myself back at the fridge door just minutes later.

 

So firstly, if you’ve been beating yourself up about the weight. Give yourself a break. There was a global crisis, our routines were upended, our lives full of fear and uncertainty and food was a brief, welcome, comforting respite.

But enough is enough! Let’s get these stubborn pounds shifted…

I lost over 40lbs around 15 years ago. And I’ve managed to keep it off, with a few little fluctuations here and there.

Naturally slim until my 20s, my weight had been creeping up gradually since my student days. Most people have a preference for sweet or savoury. I like both. In quick rotation. In big quantities.

I tried lots of diets. Slimming World, Atkins, calorie counting, bikini body plans, Blood Type diet, 5:2, 500 calorie days, Low GI, intermittent fasting… You name it, I’ve probably tried it.

And then finally something clicked. Or rather, quite a few things clicked. And here they are. The food lessons I’ve learned and lived by for almost 15 years.

1. FIND YOUR WHY

First, and most importantly, you have to actually want to lose the weight.

So do you really want to lose weight?

Yes? Then find your WHY. Why do YOU want to lose weight? Got it?

Okay. Any time you’re struggling, remind yourself of WHY you want to lose weight.

It will help you keep focus and motivation.

2. GET ORGANISED

Sorry to be the bearer of bad, boring news but there are no short cuts to losing weight.

Get organised. Plan your meals, buy healthy and prep plenty.

3. LEARN HOW TO EAT

Fad or lose weight quick diets might help you kick-start the weight loss, but they’re not sustainable, often not healthy and you don’t break your old habits.

To maintain your weight long term, you need to learn how to eat.

Find a way of eating that suits your lifestyle.

Photo by Bruno Nascimento on Unsplash

4. MOVE IT

Find an exercise you enjoy and get moving. It’s great for endorphins too which will help you feel so much better. But bear in mind, you can’t exercise away a bad diet.

5. DRINK LOTS OF WATER

Sometimes we mistake thirst for hunger. And it’s important to stay hydrated, helps with digestion too. But stick mainly to water, even fruit juices can be packed with sugar.

6. WRITE DOWN WHAT YOU EAT

It’s sometimes surprising how you’ve eaten so much more than you thought.

Writing it down helps you keep track. You might also spot patterns of when and what you eat.

I’m a grazer and snack constantly and eat throughout the day. That all soon adds up.

7. FOOD IS FUEL

This one was my lightbulb moment when it came to weight loss. Think of food as fuel for your body.

Would you put cheap, nasty fuel in your car? Nope.

Let’s treat ourselves carefully by trying to eat more fresh, nutritious, unprocessed ‘fuel’.

Read the labels, avoid high saturated fats, hidden sugars, high salts, E numbers and names of ingredients you can’t even pronounce.

8. DON’T CALL IT A DIET

It’s a way of eating that will enable you to lose weight and a new way of eating that will make sure you stay at a healthy weight you’re happy with.

My diet is how I eat, I’m not on a diet.

Photo by Glen Carrie on Unsplash

9. LEARN TO LOVE (AND TRUST) FOOD

Your body needs carbs, your body needs fats. No food is bad, in small amounts (unless it aggravates a medical condition).

Chocolate is good for the soul. Just not in the vast quantities that saw me through lockdown!

10. TRY SMALLER PLATES & PORTIONS

I don’t know about you but I was brought up to clear my plate. Whatever the size!

So maybe fill a smaller plate at first. Eat slowly, eat mindfully and stop when you’re full.

11. NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS SKINNY FEELS

That’s bulls*t. And whoever said that had clearly never tasted Lindt dark chocolate with sea-salt, or meringue with fresh cream, or cheesecake, or freshly baked bread with butter, or cheese, or… you get my drift.

HOWEVER, when tempted by your own tasty pleasure, just take a moment to reflect on your WHY.

Do you want that chunk of cake more than you want to lose weight?

The answer might be yes. In which case have a little.

Or CHOOSE to have it, and eat it with unbridled pleasure and savour each mouthful.

You’ve made a choice. Own it and enjoy it.

12. ENJOY IT

When you eat, ENJOY it!

Stop whatever else you’re doing, sit still and enjoy every last morsel.

Don’t ruin it by eating it with a huge side-serving of guilt.

Savour it with intention and satisfaction. Otherwise it wasn’t worth it.

So if you can’t resist the dessert menu, just have the cake / cheesecake / tart / cream filled pastry and enjoy it. Maybe you’ll share it with someone, maybe you’ll eat the lot.

But you’ve made a choice to have it, so give yourself permission to accept that decision, lean into that and enjoy it!

13. DON’T START AGAIN NEXT WEEK

If you eat the cake, don’t let that de-rail you. Don’t decide you’ll start your ‘diet’ again tomorrow, or the next day or after the weekend or whenever…

Eat the next meal as you had planned and prepped.

You’re making mostly ‘healthy’ food choices and sometimes you have treats.

That’s life.

 

8 Ways Walking Improves Your Mental Health

8 Ways Walking Improves Your Mental Health

It might surprise you to hear that something as simple as walking can actually improve your brainpower.

It doesn’t even have to be full-on power walking! Even a twenty or thirty minute walk during your lunch break can have a positive impact on your brain.

Here are eight ways science has proven that walking is excellent for your brain: 

1. Walking helps lower your risk of depression
Walking is an excellent way to improve your mental health. A 2018 study showed that any kind of moderate aerobic exercise like brisk walking can boost your brain health and lower your risk of developing depression by a third.

2. Walking improves your cognitive function
A number of studies have shown that the magic amount of twenty to thirty minutes of daily aerobic exercise, such as walking, improves cognitive function and memory.

3. Walking stimulates endorphins  
Just ten minutes of walking is enough to start your brain releasing endorphins, the brain chemicals that lower stress, boost your mental health, and make you feel good. You’ve heard of the runner’s high? Well, you can get a similar positive rush from a brisk walk!

4. Walking releases the brain’s Magic Protein    
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) has been dubbed the brain’s ‘magic protein’ as it helps to rewire and build new neural pathways. Scientists believe it can even help lower your risk of Alzheimer’s Disease. And cardiovascular exercise is an easy way to stimulate the production of BDNF and keep your brain in peak condition.

5. Walking lowers physical and mental fatigue
A 2008 study by the University of Georgia found that just three sessions a week of a low-intensity exercise like walking can reduce fatigue levels by as much as 65 percent.

6. Walking builds hippocampus strength
Your hippocampus is the key part of the brain for forming and storing memories. Research has shown that even brief walks can actually increase the size and efficiency of your hippocampus.

7. Walking Improves Creativity
Artists, writers, and philosophers have long known the importance of walking for clearing blocked creativity and getting inspiration flowing again. Science can now back this up with a 2014 study by Stanford University showing that walking increases your creative output by up to sixty percent.

8. Walking increases blood flow to the brain
Blood is vital for every organ in your body, not least of all, your brain. That magic twenty minutes is all it takes to increase the blood flow to your brain to keep it active and healthy.

What do you think? Not bad for 20 minutes exercise!

I’ve long been a fan of walking and hiking and that’s before I realised it had just so many key benefits. Not to mention the added grounding and healing benefits of walking in nature. 

Right, I’m off for a walk…

 

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