How Much Does Your Stress Weigh?

How Much Does Your Stress Weigh?
by Katie Jay, MSW, Certified Wellness Coach
Director, National Association for Weight Loss Surgery
www.nawls.com   Imagine your WLS success hinges on an old-fashioned scale like the
scales of justice. The more balanced your life is, the better your success.   When thinking about the balance you must attain and maintain in your
life, take time to consider the "weight" of your support versus the
"weight" of your stress.   When additional stressors cause the scale to go off kilter, it's time to
increase your support and bring your life back into balance.   In Anatomy of a Food Addiction, author Anne Katherine discusses
the need for people who struggle with eating issues to match their
level of support to the level of stress in their lives.   Ironically, during the holidays when your stress level is often at its
highest, you might let your support systems fall to the wayside. You're too busy. You deserve some treats. You will deal with the
weight gain after the holidays.   The holidays trigger a variety of feelings:  happiness, guilt, love,
anxiety, excitement, loneliness, joy, depression, gratitude, and
self pity. And feeling cause stress.   When your life becomes busy, hectic, complicated, and trying,
these are the times when you are most tempted to overindulge.   As you enter into this holiday season, consider these tips for
lowering the stress in your life:   The buddy system: Ask a friend, neighbor, or even a coworker to
be your buddy. Sometimes just talking to a safe person about your
stresses and your WLS efforts can help. Maybe your buddy would
also be your accountability partner. Knowing that you have to
report your progress to someone other than yourself will increase
your success rate.   Extra de-stress time: Don't allow a busy schedule to wreak havoc
on your WLS efforts! It may sound cliché, but you really do have
the power to carve out some free time for yourself.   You may want to get up 30 minutes early to meditate. Take a
long lunch break, if that is an option for you, and read something
inspirational after you've eaten. Most members know that I enjoy
a cup of hot, peppermint tea every evening before bed. This is
MY time and I treasure it. If you make de-stress time a priority,
somehow you will find the time for it.   Exercise consistently:  The dreaded "E" word. Some people like
to exercise and some people don't. Maybe you are one of those
people who just never enjoyed working out. I would challenge you
to challenge yourself with regard to exercising.   Once you get into a routine of any kind, whether you walk around
the block, bike, or try Tai Chi, you will be surprised at your
physiological response, as well as your psychological response! Be prepared for more energy and a better, more optimistic outlook
on your cir****tances.   When I ask how much your stress weighs, I also mean how much
will you weigh because of your stress. The scales don't lie.   Your Assignment:   Think of three ways you can reduce your holiday stress 
(and yes, put getting more support on your list!).   *********************************************************

Too darn much!  This is something that I have really been working on a lot lately.  It has gotten better!

Jill, thank you for this I need it right now I am so stressed and not handling things to good right now.