Stress Makes You Gain Weight

Stress in small doses is necessary. It helps us finish a good workday, deliver things with better quality, and be competitive enough to survive in this increasingly fast-paced world. However, stress causes diseases and leads to weight gain. At the end of the day, the best thing we can do is relax. April is Stress Awareness Month, focusing on the damage it does to our bodies. With that in mind, we want to share 10 benefits of doing the opposite: relaxing. Our friends at ActitudFem invite you to try it: 1. It's good for the heart Many studies have shown that stress is one of the main causes of heart attacks, hypertension, and other heart diseases. Especially the stress caused by sudden situations. 2. Reduces colds According to a study conducted at Carnegie Mellon University, chronic stress (living stressed) doubles the risk of catching a cold. Stress limits the body's ability to counteract inflammation in the cells. 3. Improves memory In mice, chronic stress limits the abilities of the prefrontal cortex, which is the part of the brain dedicated to abstract thoughts, cognitive analysis, and determining the correct behavior for each situation. Additionally, it limits brain functions related to memory and learning. Studies conducted with people have shown that stress increases the amount of proteins in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s, raising the chances of developing it. 4. Reduces heart attacks The University of Cambridge demonstrated that people who manage stress better have a 24% lower likelihood of experiencing heart attacks. Another study found that psychological stress related to work caused 10% of the heart attacks suffered by middle and upper-class men in the United States in 2011. 5. Prevents depression Stress kills neurons, and even prevents new ones from forming in the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for managing it. The constant presence of cortisol (the stress hormone) reduces levels of serotonin and dopamine, hormones responsible for happiness. 6. You make better decisions When we are stressed, we don’t think clearly; we know that. A recent study from the University of Southern California found that stress alters our perception of risks and rewards in our lives and can negatively influence judgments and decisions related to important issues. 7. Stress leads to weight gain We all love to indulge in tasty food when we are sad or stressed. Exactly! The more stress we feel in our lives, the more cravings we have for unhealthy food. Cortisol increases appetite and cravings for junk food. 8. Reduces acne It’s a vicious cycle: you stress over a presentation at work, and your skin reacts with acne, then you stress over the pimples. Stress increases the amount of oil produced by the skin, leading to a large number of breakouts. 9. Increases libido The Kinsey Institute found that stress reduces libido in 30% of the population. This happens more in women who see sex as just another obligation, while men perceive it as a way to relieve stress. 10. Reduces breast cancer Studies linking stress to breast cancer are still in their infancy; however, there is already evidence that connects them. The aggressiveness of cancer cells is greater when people are stressed. Relaxing slows the progression of the disease and enhances recovery. Additionally, a 2003 study showed that stress doubles the likelihood of developing cancer in one’s lifetime. See original note. Recommended notes Relieve cramps with yoga Tips to fall asleep faster 7 ways to deal with stress