January 31, 2025 “Keep Calm and Lose Weight”
Do you have body rage? Well let me ask a few more questions first. Have you ever experienced road rage? You know yelling, screaming, honking your horn…I can only imagine if you live in Atlanta like I do, that you have experienced this once or twice. However, for some it is an everyday experience. Do you have a quick temper? Do you scream at your kids when you come home after a long day and the trash is spilling over, empty bags of chips and plates are left all over the house and every dish is in the sink? How about the boss that piles extra files on your desk at 3pm on a Friday and says they need to be completed before you leave? If you have experienced this type of rage towards others there’s a good chance you have also turned that rage inward. Do you get body anger or body hatred, referring to intense feelings of frustration, anger, and resentment towards one’s own body? It can manifest in several ways such as negative self-talk, self-criticism, self- sabotage. Then yes, you have experienced body rage.
The bad part of body rage is that it increases your cortisol levels which leads to weight gain, especially in your midsection. But there are also many other unwanted results due to increased cortisol levels raging through your body.
There are several reasons why it's beneficial to decrease cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal gland in response to stress, and while it's necessary for the body's "fight or flight" response, chronically elevated cortisol levels can have negative effects on the body. Here are some reasons why reducing cortisol levels can be beneficial:
Improves sleep: High cortisol levels can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia, daytime fatigue, and other sleep-related problems. Lowering cortisol levels can help regulate sleep and improve overall sleep quality.
Supports weight management: Excess cortisol can contribute to weight gain, particularly in the abdominal area. Reducing cortisol levels can help with weight loss and maintenance.
Lowers blood pressure: Chronically elevated cortisol levels can increase blood pressure, which can lead to cardiovascular disease. Decreasing cortisol levels can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Improves mood: Cortisol can contribute to anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Lowering cortisol levels can help alleviate these symptoms and improve overall mental well-being.
Reduces inflammation: Cortisol can suppress the immune system and increase inflammation in the body. Reducing cortisol levels can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Improves skin health: High cortisol levels can lead to skin issues such as acne, thinning skin, and poor wound healing. Lowering cortisol levels can help improve skin health and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkle.
Supports bone health: Excess cortisol can lead to bone loss and osteoporosis. Reducing cortisol levels can help maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of fractures.
Enhances cognitive function: Chronically elevated cortisol levels can impair cognitive function, including memory and concentration. Lowering cortisol levels can help improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.
Supports immune function: Cortisol can suppress the immune system, making us more susceptible to illness. Reducing cortisol levels can help support immune function and reduce the risk of infection.
Promotes overall well-being: Lowering cortisol levels can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm and well-being, which is essential for overall health and happiness.
To decrease cortisol levels, you can try stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises especially when that car cuts you off. Speak positively about your body even if it’s not how you would like for it to be. Let’s speak it into existence. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep can also help regulate cortisol levels. So, the calmer you are the less cortisol is released, and the happier the body becomes, making it easier to lose weight. So, don’t worry, be happy or just be NO MESS!
