Yesterday I shared how my job is sabotaging my weight loss efforts. Work overload, being overwhelmed with multiple deadlines, and dealing with difficult people all equal stress. Stress equals feelings of fatigue and low energy. Low energy equals depression, which then leads me to emotional eating. Emotional eating leads to weight gain and the vicious cycle of stepping on the scale, gaining weight, getting depressed, and more eating.
Since I can’t quit my job I’ve got to figure this thing out. I’ve given it some thought and here are 15 ways I plan to live a stress-free life this year and reach my weight loss goals!
- First and foremost Pray! Only Jesus can fix this!
- Get proper sleep and rest. In order to function well each day, I’ll need to be in bed by 10:00. No phone, no IPad, no TV! Perhaps I can read until I drift off, but that’s it!
- Stay hydrated for the purpose of keeping my organs, and joints working properly, especially these old tired knees.
- Leave work on time. Give it my all from 9:00 to 5:00 and then shut it down and go home. I cannot burn the candle at both ends and I’m not even going to let that become a habit. I am more productive when I’m rested.
- Keep practicing my morning routine, which gives me life.
- Schedule in some social time with family and friends. All work and no play makes for a pretty sad existence.
- Take my lunch break. Actually leave the office. Get some fresh air, even if I have to eat my lunch in the car.
- Exercise…move my body….stay flexible…work on getting stronger.
- Color. That’s right I said color. Over the Christmas holiday I discovered coloring books for adults. I love it! It calms my nerves and takes my mind off all of the craziness.
- Really work at eating the foods I love that love me back. For instance, as I shared yesterday I had Wendy’s for lunch. I knew full well that it wasn’t going to sit well with my stomach and I paid the price. Cooking and eating my own food really is the only way I’m going to feel better and be healthy….stop fighting it Stacey.
- Stay away from negative people and negative conversations. In the case of co-workers, make a conscious decision to accept that’s how they are, deal with them on an “as need to” basis and then make my git (as in getaway) :-). Do not take on anyone else’s negative vibe.
- Be conscious of the energy I bring to the table. Positive or negative…it’s all contagious!
- Take my vacation time! Regardless of whether I go away or do a staycation, strategically plan out the times I’ll need to shut it down to decompress.
- Practice saying NO! No explanation needed!
- Guard my time and my schedule. Don’t allow others to hijack either.
I’m feeling relaxed and better already just looking at this list. This is something that is completely within my control to manage and I’m making it my purpose to do just that. I’m not going to let these crazy people, and an insane work schedule and workload kill me. I’m taking matters into my own hands and I’m focusing on taking care of myself. Hey look, a girls gotta do whatta girls gotta do.
Your Turn To Share
What are some of your go to methods for relieving stress and not allowing it to sabotage your weight loss efforts?
Linda Hampton says
Every morning, I take a few moments to review my commitments for the day. I also jot down a list of things I need to accomplish so I can stay focused on my goals. So weather you’re trying to loss weight or build a business it’s important to reflect on your goals every day.
Linda Hampton recently posted…Inspirational Quote – Do What You Love
Stacey Strickler says
Hi Linda! I think this is an excellent habit to get into and although I do it occasionally, I need to make it a daily habit just as you have. Thank you so much for sharing. I’ll be sure to give an update on how it’s working for me. Hope to see you again soon!