The post Why Stress Makes Us Crave Unhealthy Foods appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>Part of the body’s natural response, when we experience a stressful event, is to release a hormone known as cortisol, which can disrupt our body’s hunger and fullness signals and increase our appetite for high-calorie foods. The next time you feel stressed, try practicing relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to regulate cortisol levels instead of going straight for the candy aisle.
It’s normal to want to seek comfort in times of stress, and one of the easiest ways to do so is through food. Foods that are high in sugar and fat stimulate the brain’s reward center, causing the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine that temporarily make us feel better. Unfortunately, the effect is short-lived, and the inevitable blood sugar crash can quickly lead cortisol levels to spike again. The best way to break this cycle is to replace unhealthy snacks with nutritious alternatives like nuts fruits and veggies.
In addition to relaxation techniques, mindfulness is one of the best ways to reduce cortisol and tame stress-induced cravings. Mindful eating in particular involves paying close attention to the taste, texture, and aroma of your food as you eat, making it easier to tune into your body’s cues and resist impulsive eating. Regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and a solid social support network can also make a big difference in reducing stress overall.
The post Why Stress Makes Us Crave Unhealthy Foods appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>The post How a Clean Space Can Help Your Mental Health appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>A cluttered living space can be quite overwhelming to the point that it even causes feelings of anxiety. This can also make it difficult to relax and unwind at the end of the day, affecting your quality of sleep throughout the night. Keeping your space clean and tidy may help you to feel more in control. Additionally, it creates a peaceful atmosphere that’s conducive to a good night’s sleep.
Clutter can be distracting and make it hard to concentrate on the task at hand. By keeping your space organized and clutter-free, you can minimize distractions and create a focused environment that makes it easy to get things done.
The easiest way to keep your space tidy is to make a habit of cleaning up as you go. Have a designated space for each of your belongings that makes it easy to put things away when you’re done using them.
You can also make a practice of doing a little bit each day. Don’t have time to clean the entire kitchen? Do the dishes today and the counters tomorrow.
The post How a Clean Space Can Help Your Mental Health appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>The post Why Stress Makes Us Crave Unhealthy Foods appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>Part of the body’s natural response, when we experience a stressful event, is to release a hormone known as cortisol, which can disrupt our body’s hunger and fullness signals and increase our appetite for high-calorie foods. The next time you feel stressed, try practicing relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to regulate cortisol levels instead of going straight for the candy aisle.
It’s normal to want to seek comfort in times of stress, and one of the easiest ways to do so is through food. Foods that are high in sugar and fat stimulate the brain’s reward center, causing the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine that temporarily make us feel better. Unfortunately, the effect is short-lived, and the inevitable blood sugar crash can quickly lead cortisol levels to spike again. The best way to break this cycle is to replace unhealthy snacks with nutritious alternatives like nuts fruits and veggies.
In addition to relaxation techniques, mindfulness is one of the best ways to reduce cortisol and tame stress-induced cravings. Mindful eating in particular involves paying close attention to the taste, texture, and aroma of your food as you eat, making it easier to tune into your body’s cues and resist impulsive eating. Regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and a solid social support network can also make a big difference in reducing stress overall.
The post Why Stress Makes Us Crave Unhealthy Foods appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>The post How a Clean Space Can Help Your Mental Health appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>A cluttered living space can be quite overwhelming to the point that it even causes feelings of anxiety. This can also make it difficult to relax and unwind at the end of the day, affecting your quality of sleep throughout the night. Keeping your space clean and tidy may help you to feel more in control. Additionally, it creates a peaceful atmosphere that’s conducive to a good night’s sleep.
Clutter can be distracting and make it hard to concentrate on the task at hand. By keeping your space organized and clutter-free, you can minimize distractions and create a focused environment that makes it easy to get things done.
The easiest way to keep your space tidy is to make a habit of cleaning up as you go. Have a designated space for each of your belongings that makes it easy to put things away when you’re done using them.
You can also make a practice of doing a little bit each day. Don’t have time to clean the entire kitchen? Do the dishes today and the counters tomorrow.
The post How a Clean Space Can Help Your Mental Health appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
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