Researchers divided study subjects into two groups of dieters:
After seven weeks, the members of the first group didn’t lose a significant amount of weight. However, the dieters who were taught stress management techniques did, as much as 17 pounds.
As many of you know, I often advise my patients that overcoming chronic stress can open the door to improved overall health as well as intensified weight loss. Stress does all kinds of bad things to the body and mind, regardless of your age, weight or overall health.
A key component to a healthy life and a critical precursor to weight loss is alleviation of stress as much as possible. I’d like to share my favorite tips for reducing stress and allowing you a little time to decompress from the challenges we all face in daily life:
Drink Decaf Green Tea
Green tea is very soothing. It contains theanine, an amino acid that gives flavor to green tea and promotes relaxation.
Create a Relaxation Space
Many spas have relaxation rooms to sit in before and after treatments, and it’s a great thing to create at home too. A relaxation space can be a space in your bedroom, for example. (I use a favorite recliner in my office at home to decompress).
Meditate
Research has shown that meditation can be helpful in lowering heart rate and blood pressure and even improving cognitive performance.
Music
Listening to soothing music can be very relaxing — slow tempos in particular can induce a calm state of mind and get your mind off your worries. It can also slow down breathing and heart rate, lower blood pressure, and relax tense muscles.
Massage
Getting a massage is a great way to offset tension and relax; one of my patients who is a masseuse suggests adding aromatherapy oils such as chamomile or lavender for optimal sensory relaxation.
Water Immersion
Water relaxes muscles. Just taking a long bath can be soothing for the mind as well. A dip in a hot tub or just swimming in a pool or the ocean can offer instant and significant reduction in tight muscles and can overcome negative thoughts and worries.
Exercise
You knew this one was coming: Exercise boosts endorphins which in turn lessens stress. Extensive research shows that 20 minutes each day is all that is needed to experience benefits. We all have 20 minutes a day!
Relaxing is all about giving yourself a little ‘time-out’ to take a deep breath and re-group. It’s not selfish to take time just for you. Everyone around you will also reap the rewards of a happier and more peaceful you.
About Dr. Seun Sowemimo, MD, FACS
“Dr. Seun” is a top NJ bariatric surgeon and the medical director at Prime Surgicare, with offices in Freehold serving Monmouth and Ocean counties. He is board-certified, Columbia and Yale University fellowship-trained advanced laparoscopic, bariatric and general surgeon. He has advanced expertise performing the safest, most advanced laparoscopic and general surgical operations. To learn more, visit his YouTube channel or call Prime Surgicare at (732)-982-2002.