April 11, 2021: Tax Day Stress Relief

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If you are like many people, you feel increased stress around April 15. Tensions can run high from the pressure of getting the forms filed on time or coming up with the funds to pay your tax bill. When your body is subjected to ongoing stress, unhealthy changes occur at the chemical level, and these changes can lead to food cravings and weight gain.This week, we’re going to talk about reducing stress - especially with Tax Day coming up.

How Does Your Body React to Stress?

When you experience stress, your body releases a hormone called cortisol. In small amounts, cortisol isn’t a problem. But when the stress is chronic, such as during the weeks surrounding tax season, the concentration of cortisol in your body stays elevated with some negative effects For example, you might crave foods that will give you quick energy, like candy bars and potato chips. And the presence of cortisol will cause many of these extra calories to be stored as abdominal fat. I know! How unfair is that?

You may also find it hard to eat in moderation while stressed, because cortisol can interfere with the chemicals in your body that control appetite.

While you can never get away from all stress, there is plenty you can do to keep it under control and reduce its effects on you. Here are some tips to outsmart stress in your life during tax season or anytime of the year.

Exercise

You can reduce cortisol levels in your body by exercising just 30 minutes each day. To make the most of your workout time, try intervals. Alternating between lower and higher intensity periods of exertion allows you to achieve an overall more challenging workout than exercising at a consistent pace.

Eat Well

During times of stress, fuel your body smartly. Be intentional about eating nutritious food, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein and nuts. If you eat these foods, you’ll keep your blood sugar level steady, and you will be less likely to give in to the cravings that cortisol causes.

Don’t Skimp on Sleep

By getting at least eight hours of sleep each night you can reduce your cortisol level by more than half of that of people who get less than six hours. You really can sleep away your stress!

Identify Your Stress

Take the time to sort out exactly what is causing you to feel stressed. Instead of saying, “My taxes are causing me so much stress,” figure out the specifics. Perhaps you are stressed because you can’t find a form that you need or you are trying to do your taxes alone without the skills that you need to pull it off. Once you pinpoint exactly where the stress is coming from, you can take steps to take care of the problem.

Make Time to Relax

Taking time to unwind is not a luxury; it is a necessity if you are going to master your stress. Find something that makes you laugh and smile, get a massage or just breathe deeply. Your mind has a profound impact on your body. Take advantage of this by finding time to relax every day. You’ve earned it.

Next Sunday, we’ll talk about the causes and symptoms of estrogen dominance and what you can do to regain balance.

Want some expert help with reaching your health goals painlessly? Check out my programs! We’ll get everything taken care of in a way that fits into your current lifestyle so you never have to think about your health again.

Do you have a friend who could stand to G(her)ST? Feel free to forward this!

I hope you have a wonderful week,

Kelly

Kelly Morgan, Ph.D.

Tsirona - www.tsirona.com

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