Lots of us struggle with that extra bit around the middle, and no wonder, it’s due to stress! The stress hormone cortisol is related to high insulin levels and gaining more weight in the stomach. Fortunately, there are simple solutions, and they’re not all strict diets and hours in the gym. Here’s what you need to do.
Reduce your stress
This should be easy, but we all know it’s not. Yoga poses, breathing exercises, quiet bubble baths are all great ways to handle the stressful lives we lead. Try these relaxing self-care ideas:
- take a short walk outdoors when you’re feeling stale or frustrated
- have a hot cup of herbal tea between activities, after work, or before bed
- give yourself a mini-massage: scalp, hands or feet are great spots for quick relaxation
- join a meditation group or start your own meditation practice
- do something you really enjoy!
Get some exercise
This doesn’t mean harsh workouts at the gym or running marathons. 30 minutes a day, 3-5 days per week of moderate cardio is all you need for stress relief. (Moderate cardio means you’re a bit out of breath but can still talk). Find something to do that you enjoy. If you don’t enjoy it, it’s not going to be all that stress-relieving, is it?
Try an herb like Holy Basil
Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, is used for many things in its native India, but one of the things it does best is manage stress! Traditionally used to aid meditation, Holy Basil also balances blood sugar and helps to reduce cortisol—one of the major factors in gaining extra belly fat. This herb is believed to lift the spirits and improve concentration, certainly helpful in stress relief!
Taking good care of ourselves in our fast-pace world isn’t easy, but there are simple, natural ways to find relief. Feel better, and fitter, today!
Thanks for the tip. I missed the classes for Blood Pressure and diabetes when will there be another also teas for fasting. Thank you very much
Here is a link to our upcoming classes – the next Diabetes and High Blood Pressure classes are both February 13th. Hope you can join us!
There are so many options during fasting, but one reliably great herb is Nettle- Nettle tea is great for fasting because it contains so many essential vitamins and minerals.
is the holy basil taken fresh? or is it a pill or what?
Holy Basil can be eaten fresh like Italian Basil (although the taste is a bit different!), or the dried herb brewed as a tea. It also comes in capsule and tincture (liquid extract). All forms are equally beneficial, it all depends on your personal preference.