Trying to Lose Weight and Keep it Off? Focus on Stress Reduction

Trying to Lose Weight and Keep it Off? Focus on Stress Reduction

For those of us who have tried all sorts of weight loss diets over the years, we know that losing at least some amount of weight is relatively easy.

Especially during those first few weeks, when our confidence is high and our motivation is unflappable, the pounds slip off, the junk food goes untouched, and our daily workouts fit into our schedules perfectly. But then, inevitably a plateau hits.

We stop losing weight, and in many cases, we start gaining again. And the cycle of weight gain, lowered self-esteem, and hopelessness begins anew. So what’s the key to keeping weight off? In my personal experience, weight loss is as much a psychological activity as it is physical. Since even stress alone can lead to weight gain, it’s important to take steps to counteract stress before it derails your weight loss goals. Here are a few tips:

1. Learn to stop self-criticism in its tracks.

Self-criticism is perhaps the one biggest threat to any goal, but especially weight loss. When you cheat on your diet, or the scale hasn’t moved in weeks, there may be a tendency to blame yourself for your failure. Many believe that beating yourself up is the only way to achieve success. At the same time, however, it’s the fastest way to kill motivation.

Any time you hear your mind starting to self-criticize, become aware of this voice and negate it. Instead of telling yourself, “Why did eat that chocolate? I must have no will-power at all,” tell yourself, “I had one piece of chocolate; I enjoyed it and enjoyment is important in life. Now it’s time to get back to eating healthy.” This type of motivating self-talk is absolutely essential in any sort of weight loss regimen.

2. Take some time off from your diet and workout routine to just relax.

The reason diets fail so often is that they become boring to adhere to. Boredom is also a primary goal-killer. Every so often, take a break from your diet and even your exercise routine. Take this time not to veg out and eat junk food. Instead, use this timeout to relax deliberately. Take an aroma therapeutic bath, go for a relaxing stroll through the park, or read a good book. Whatever you do, be sure to be aware of yourself as you slip into a state of true relaxation and calm.

3. Consider taking yoga classes in addition to your normal exercise regimen.

In our modern world, it’s often difficult to even know how to relax. We are so busy with our family, job, and other daily activities, that sometimes we may need to be taught how to relax. Yoga classes are perhaps the best way to teach yourself to reduce stress and forget about all your mental preoccupations.

Even if you just purchase an instructional video, taking some time out to learn relaxation techniques inherent in yoga is an incredibly effective way to reduce stress.
Of course, reducing stress in and of itself won’t make you lose weight. But in a world in which we focus almost exclusively on crash diets and impossible exercise routines, we forget that sometimes all the body needs is a little rest to rejuvenate and replenish.

Good luck!

Alvina Lopez is a freelance writer and blog junkie, who blogs about accredited online colleges. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: alvina.lopez @gmail.com.

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