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 Causes of Chronic Muscle Tension & How to Fix It appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>Stress and Anxiety: Stress and anxiety trigger the body’s “fight or flight” response, which can cause muscles to tense up in a state of defense. When this clenching becomes chronic, it may lead to the formation of painful trigger points that are difficult to relax and release.
Poor Posture: Sitting at a desk or hunching over screens puts stress on the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Like tension caused by anxiety, this stress can result in physical tightness the longer that poor posture is maintained.
Lack of Exercise: Muscles need to move in order to remain strong and flexible as we age. Lack of movement caused by a sedentary lifestyle can cause muscles to become weak and stiff over time, leading to pain and discomfort.
Exercise and Stretching: A regular fitness routine that includes a variety of exercises such as yoga and strength training is one of the best ways to relax tense muscles and improve overall flexibility. Stretching may feel uncomfortable in the beginning, but with regular practice, muscles should begin to relax and your range of movement will improve.
Mind-Body Techniques: For anxiety and emotional stress, practices like meditation and deep breathing can help to calm the mind and allow physical tension to melt away in response. Try to incorporate these techniques into your daily routine or whenever you notice yourself starting to tense up.
The post Causes of Chronic Muscle Tension & How to Fix It appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>The post How to Calm Down After a Stressful Day appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>Meditation has been found to help lower anxiety levels, even just by meditating for a few minutes a day. You can start with only 5 minutes a day, and work your way up to more time. It’s helpful to look up guided meditations or tips online. Meditating after your day is over can help you refocus on yourself and away from the worries you can’t attend to in the moment.
A bit of intense exercise can release endorphins, which give you a “high” and help wash away those bad brain chemicals. Exercise can help you blow off steam and let out some of that stress. Don’t do this directly before bed, because it will give you more energy, but it is a great way to wear out your body a couple of hours before bed so that you’ll fall asleep faster.
Various aromas can give your body different sensations, and certain aromas are known to calm people down. If you enjoy things like scented candles, lighting one with a calming scent or using an essential oil air freshener can help turn your home into a comforting space.
The post How to Calm Down After a Stressful Day appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>The post Tips to Get You Through When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>When you feel like everything’s coming at you at once, start by creating one list including all of the things that you need to accomplish. Categorize your responsibilities, identify which ones are most urgent, and break them into small, manageable steps that feel less daunting. As much as possible, try to simplify your schedule by saying no to non-essential commitments until you have less on your plate.
Mindfulness encourages keeping all of your focus in the present moment, which can be especially helpful when your mind is racing with all of the things that you need to get done. The next time you feel overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths, then direct your attention to the crown of your head. Slowly scan down through your body, acknowledging any sensations that arise without judgment.
We all need help sometimes, and there’s nothing wrong with asking for it. If you struggle with feelings of being overwhelmed, consider talking to a friend, family member, or therapist you trust. Sharing your thoughts and emotions can provide relief and perspective while helping you to navigate challenges more effectively.
The post Tips to Get You Through When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>The post All the Health Benefits of Being a Dog Owner appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>For those who want to incorporate more cardio into their daily schedule, having a dog can help you get out and walk every single day, no matter the weather. It also makes you want to explore different places as doing the same walks every day can get boring. Vitamin D boosts your mood and just breathing in the fresh air after a day at the office can help you to get rid of any stress.
Building stronger muscles, bones, and joints are one of the major benefits of walking. While it can be hard to motivate you to start doing this regularly, when you are a dog owner you have no choice. Your dog needs to be walked to relieve itself and exercise will prevent obesity. Once you start walking every day even for 15-20 minutes it will quickly become a habit you won’t want to stop.
Walking daily is great for your mental health as it gives you time to practice mindfulness and take advantage of being outside in nature. Walking your dog also prevents your dog from doing unwanted behaviors inside the home and creates a strong bond between you and your pet.
Having a dog can also make you more sociable—you are more likely to meet other dog owners and speak to more people on your daily walks. It will also help you to feel part of a community and even start doing longer dog walks if you have people and dogs to walk with.
Walking your dog also provides time for you to train your dogs (and yourself), with lots of recall, eye contact, and other commands.
If you are looking for ways to build healthy habits, especially cardio, having a dog will really help you stay committed to your goals and feel good while doing it. You will always have a reason to walk, which will keep you motivated.
The post All the Health Benefits of Being a Dog Owner appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>The post The Surprising Ways Stress Affects Your Physical Health (And How to Combat It) appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>One of the most surprising ways that stress affects our physical health is by causing inflammation in the body. When we experience stress, our bodies release stress hormones like cortisol, which can trigger an inflammatory response. Over time, this inflammation can lead to a variety of health problems, including arthritis, diabetes, and even cancer.
To combat the negative effects of stress on our physical health, it’s important to take steps to reduce our stress levels. One effective way to do this is through exercise. Exercise has been shown to reduce stress hormones and promote the release of endorphins, which can help us feel better both physically and mentally by allowing the release of stored stress from the body.
Another way to combat stress is through mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga. These practices can help us become more aware of our thoughts and emotions and can help us develop a greater sense of calm and balance in our lives.
The post The Surprising Ways Stress Affects Your Physical Health (And How to Combat It) appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>The post Low-Impact Exercises to Help You De-stress appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>Walking helps you to manage your weight and can prevent heart disease and high blood pressure. It is easy and free and can be done any time of the day. You can of course make it a little harder by finding routes with an incline, to get your heart rate up. Walking can improve your mood, especially when it’s just you and nature and your favorite tunes.
You will work all your muscles in a swim session but being in water makes the workout lower impact on your body. You don’t have to think about anything except moving through the warm water. Take a morning swim in the ocean to really feel your stress falling away.
Pilates is a great way to help you lower your stress levels. It is slow moving, but focuses on your breath, which will calm down your nervous system and it is a great workout. Pilates effectively improves muscle strength, balance, and quality of life. Find an instructor you love and settle into a class! All you need to think about is breathing and moving your body.
The post Low-Impact Exercises to Help You De-stress appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>The post Feeling Stressed? Here Are 3 Ways to Relieve Stress at Home appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>While meditating, use essential oils to make the experience even more relaxing. Next time you meditate, incorporate lavender, lemongrass, or peppermint essential oils into your routine. You can even put a few drops into your bath or in a diffuser to fill your room.
Massage balls are not only great after a workout, they’re ideal for any time you’re feeling stressed. The balls mimic a masseuse’s hands and they’ll help alleviate stress in hard-to-reach places.
Human touch is said to slow the heart rate and reduce stress, but during the pandemic our contact with others is limited. An alternative is a weighted blanket, which mimic hugs. Let’s be honest, who couldn’t use a nice warm hug now?
The post Feeling Stressed? Here Are 3 Ways to Relieve Stress at Home appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>The post Best Ways to Stop Your Workouts from Stressing You Out appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>If you’re putting too much pressure on yourself to reach unrealistic and unachievable goals, it’s no wonder you’re not enjoying your workout. The whole point of having a regular fitness routine is by staying active and healthy, and this goal is more important than all others.
Your workouts will be a constant cause of anxiety if you’re not enjoying them. If you’re dreading each gym season and don’t find any satisfaction in them, it’s probably time to switch up your fitness routine and start searching for an activity that you actually enjoy.
The nature of your workout isn’t always the thing that’s stressing you out. Try to pay closer attention to your mood swings, and recognize the cause of your constant anxiety. It may be an injury you sustained, something or someone at the gym you find annoying, or other external factors that have nothing to do with your workout.
The post Best Ways to Stop Your Workouts from Stressing You Out appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>The post Caffeine Can Affect Stress and Your Health appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>Caffeine affects the hormones in your body, including cortisol, the “stress hormone.” This is not as prominent with moderate consumption, but high amounts of caffeine can lead to negative health effects that come from stress.
Moderate amounts of caffeine can be good for you and help you deal with everyday tasks, but higher consumption can mess with your hormones, your sleep, and your overall mood, making it more difficult for you to finish your tasks which can also stress you out.
Can’t go without caffeine and your morning cup of coffee? That’s okay. It’s best to allow yourself a cup or two of coffee per day and watch for other caffeine sources such as tea and chocolate.
The post Caffeine Can Affect Stress and Your 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 Causes of Chronic Muscle Tension & How to Fix It appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>Stress and Anxiety: Stress and anxiety trigger the body’s “fight or flight” response, which can cause muscles to tense up in a state of defense. When this clenching becomes chronic, it may lead to the formation of painful trigger points that are difficult to relax and release.
Poor Posture: Sitting at a desk or hunching over screens puts stress on the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Like tension caused by anxiety, this stress can result in physical tightness the longer that poor posture is maintained.
Lack of Exercise: Muscles need to move in order to remain strong and flexible as we age. Lack of movement caused by a sedentary lifestyle can cause muscles to become weak and stiff over time, leading to pain and discomfort.
Exercise and Stretching: A regular fitness routine that includes a variety of exercises such as yoga and strength training is one of the best ways to relax tense muscles and improve overall flexibility. Stretching may feel uncomfortable in the beginning, but with regular practice, muscles should begin to relax and your range of movement will improve.
Mind-Body Techniques: For anxiety and emotional stress, practices like meditation and deep breathing can help to calm the mind and allow physical tension to melt away in response. Try to incorporate these techniques into your daily routine or whenever you notice yourself starting to tense up.
The post Causes of Chronic Muscle Tension & How to Fix It appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>The post How to Calm Down After a Stressful Day appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>Meditation has been found to help lower anxiety levels, even just by meditating for a few minutes a day. You can start with only 5 minutes a day, and work your way up to more time. It’s helpful to look up guided meditations or tips online. Meditating after your day is over can help you refocus on yourself and away from the worries you can’t attend to in the moment.
A bit of intense exercise can release endorphins, which give you a “high” and help wash away those bad brain chemicals. Exercise can help you blow off steam and let out some of that stress. Don’t do this directly before bed, because it will give you more energy, but it is a great way to wear out your body a couple of hours before bed so that you’ll fall asleep faster.
Various aromas can give your body different sensations, and certain aromas are known to calm people down. If you enjoy things like scented candles, lighting one with a calming scent or using an essential oil air freshener can help turn your home into a comforting space.
The post How to Calm Down After a Stressful Day appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>The post Tips to Get You Through When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>When you feel like everything’s coming at you at once, start by creating one list including all of the things that you need to accomplish. Categorize your responsibilities, identify which ones are most urgent, and break them into small, manageable steps that feel less daunting. As much as possible, try to simplify your schedule by saying no to non-essential commitments until you have less on your plate.
Mindfulness encourages keeping all of your focus in the present moment, which can be especially helpful when your mind is racing with all of the things that you need to get done. The next time you feel overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths, then direct your attention to the crown of your head. Slowly scan down through your body, acknowledging any sensations that arise without judgment.
We all need help sometimes, and there’s nothing wrong with asking for it. If you struggle with feelings of being overwhelmed, consider talking to a friend, family member, or therapist you trust. Sharing your thoughts and emotions can provide relief and perspective while helping you to navigate challenges more effectively.
The post Tips to Get You Through When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>The post All the Health Benefits of Being a Dog Owner appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>For those who want to incorporate more cardio into their daily schedule, having a dog can help you get out and walk every single day, no matter the weather. It also makes you want to explore different places as doing the same walks every day can get boring. Vitamin D boosts your mood and just breathing in the fresh air after a day at the office can help you to get rid of any stress.
Building stronger muscles, bones, and joints are one of the major benefits of walking. While it can be hard to motivate you to start doing this regularly, when you are a dog owner you have no choice. Your dog needs to be walked to relieve itself and exercise will prevent obesity. Once you start walking every day even for 15-20 minutes it will quickly become a habit you won’t want to stop.
Walking daily is great for your mental health as it gives you time to practice mindfulness and take advantage of being outside in nature. Walking your dog also prevents your dog from doing unwanted behaviors inside the home and creates a strong bond between you and your pet.
Having a dog can also make you more sociable—you are more likely to meet other dog owners and speak to more people on your daily walks. It will also help you to feel part of a community and even start doing longer dog walks if you have people and dogs to walk with.
Walking your dog also provides time for you to train your dogs (and yourself), with lots of recall, eye contact, and other commands.
If you are looking for ways to build healthy habits, especially cardio, having a dog will really help you stay committed to your goals and feel good while doing it. You will always have a reason to walk, which will keep you motivated.
The post All the Health Benefits of Being a Dog Owner appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>The post The Surprising Ways Stress Affects Your Physical Health (And How to Combat It) appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>One of the most surprising ways that stress affects our physical health is by causing inflammation in the body. When we experience stress, our bodies release stress hormones like cortisol, which can trigger an inflammatory response. Over time, this inflammation can lead to a variety of health problems, including arthritis, diabetes, and even cancer.
To combat the negative effects of stress on our physical health, it’s important to take steps to reduce our stress levels. One effective way to do this is through exercise. Exercise has been shown to reduce stress hormones and promote the release of endorphins, which can help us feel better both physically and mentally by allowing the release of stored stress from the body.
Another way to combat stress is through mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga. These practices can help us become more aware of our thoughts and emotions and can help us develop a greater sense of calm and balance in our lives.
The post The Surprising Ways Stress Affects Your Physical Health (And How to Combat It) appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>The post Low-Impact Exercises to Help You De-stress appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>Walking helps you to manage your weight and can prevent heart disease and high blood pressure. It is easy and free and can be done any time of the day. You can of course make it a little harder by finding routes with an incline, to get your heart rate up. Walking can improve your mood, especially when it’s just you and nature and your favorite tunes.
You will work all your muscles in a swim session but being in water makes the workout lower impact on your body. You don’t have to think about anything except moving through the warm water. Take a morning swim in the ocean to really feel your stress falling away.
Pilates is a great way to help you lower your stress levels. It is slow moving, but focuses on your breath, which will calm down your nervous system and it is a great workout. Pilates effectively improves muscle strength, balance, and quality of life. Find an instructor you love and settle into a class! All you need to think about is breathing and moving your body.
The post Low-Impact Exercises to Help You De-stress appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>The post Feeling Stressed? Here Are 3 Ways to Relieve Stress at Home appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>While meditating, use essential oils to make the experience even more relaxing. Next time you meditate, incorporate lavender, lemongrass, or peppermint essential oils into your routine. You can even put a few drops into your bath or in a diffuser to fill your room.
Massage balls are not only great after a workout, they’re ideal for any time you’re feeling stressed. The balls mimic a masseuse’s hands and they’ll help alleviate stress in hard-to-reach places.
Human touch is said to slow the heart rate and reduce stress, but during the pandemic our contact with others is limited. An alternative is a weighted blanket, which mimic hugs. Let’s be honest, who couldn’t use a nice warm hug now?
The post Feeling Stressed? Here Are 3 Ways to Relieve Stress at Home appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>The post Best Ways to Stop Your Workouts from Stressing You Out appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>If you’re putting too much pressure on yourself to reach unrealistic and unachievable goals, it’s no wonder you’re not enjoying your workout. The whole point of having a regular fitness routine is by staying active and healthy, and this goal is more important than all others.
Your workouts will be a constant cause of anxiety if you’re not enjoying them. If you’re dreading each gym season and don’t find any satisfaction in them, it’s probably time to switch up your fitness routine and start searching for an activity that you actually enjoy.
The nature of your workout isn’t always the thing that’s stressing you out. Try to pay closer attention to your mood swings, and recognize the cause of your constant anxiety. It may be an injury you sustained, something or someone at the gym you find annoying, or other external factors that have nothing to do with your workout.
The post Best Ways to Stop Your Workouts from Stressing You Out appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>The post Caffeine Can Affect Stress and Your Health appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>Caffeine affects the hormones in your body, including cortisol, the “stress hormone.” This is not as prominent with moderate consumption, but high amounts of caffeine can lead to negative health effects that come from stress.
Moderate amounts of caffeine can be good for you and help you deal with everyday tasks, but higher consumption can mess with your hormones, your sleep, and your overall mood, making it more difficult for you to finish your tasks which can also stress you out.
Can’t go without caffeine and your morning cup of coffee? That’s okay. It’s best to allow yourself a cup or two of coffee per day and watch for other caffeine sources such as tea and chocolate.
The post Caffeine Can Affect Stress and Your Health appeared first on yourdailysportfix.com.
]]>