No need to Cry to Lose Weight and Reduce Stress. Here are 3 alternative ways!

I mention the Stress Hormone Cortisol to a lot of my clients.  If people present with Stress, Anxiety, Exhaustion and/or unexplained weight gain  in spite of no change in diet and lifestyle; or are struggling to lose weight in spite of their best efforts,  (and they have eliminated other potential physical causes with their GP).  It is always worthwhile to investigate Cortisol as a likely suspect.

Cortisol may be busily at work in their bodies in an attempt to prepare them for fight or flight.  It does this by first of all draining the body of it’s stored fuel (derived from carbs and fats), often leaving them feeling exhausted it  then tries to encourage them to not just refuel but stockpile by making them crave  Carbs and Sugars.  Of course if it goes on for long enough it will lead to weight gain.  In the past few days there have been a number of articles explaining why crying may actually help with Weight Loss, here’s one of the articles I’ve found, I include some more links at the end.

I’m a fan of crying when crying is what comes naturally and the situation or feeling induces it, because it is in my opinion a release of emotion that no longer needs to be held tight.  It’s healing and cathartic. That said, I wouldn’t recommend that it become a diet plan. There are only so many times you can watch The Notebook or Titanic (once was enough for me to be honest). 

There are more effective ways to reverse the effects of Cortisol and deep relaxation is common to all.  Here are 3 suggestions:

1. Practice Mindfulness.  It’s easier than you may think and in my opinion one of the most effective ways of achieving total deep relaxation.  You don’t have to clear your mind of all thoughts, it’s a learned skill that like any other improves with practice, however you will begin to achieve a benefit as soon as you begin.  I recommend the Headspace App to my clients as a good introduction.  It gives 10 x 10 minute guided mindfulness sessions that are easy to listen to and wonderfully relaxing.
2. Spend time regularly doing a task that you really enjoy, something that you can become focused and absorbed in.   It may be colouring, doing a crossword puzzle, painting, completing  a jigsaw, knitting – anything that puts you in “the zone” so that you forget everything else while you’re doing it. 
3. Exercise regularly, in just about any form.    Swimming is a wonderfully calming and relaxing form of exercise.  Go out for a walk, brisk and long enough so that you feel that shift in mood as the endorphin's are released.  Breath deeply and naturally as you go, and really notice and appreciate everything that contributes to making it an enjoyable experience whether it’s the temperature, the surroundings, the blue sky, the cool rain whatever it may be.

Deep relaxation is one of the most effective and efficient ways to reverse the effects of Cortisol and above are just 3 examples of how that state can be achieved.

If you are feeling Overwhelmed, Stressed or Anxious you may benefit more from seeing a Therapist such as myself.  If you would like to contact me please give me a call on 0435 923 817.  I am a Melbourne Hypnotherapist and Counsellor with extensive experience in assisting people with Stress and Anxiety related issues, as well as with Weight Loss.   You can also contact me by using the form at this link.

If  you would like help with Weight Loss please click this link for further information.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3702329/Crying-help-stress-relief-weight-loss.html
https://www.thesun.co.uk/living/1486915/how-crying-can-help-you-lose-weight-as-well-as-dealing-with-stress/