Page 55 - San Diego Woman Magazine

STRESS and

WEIGHT Loss:

Is It What You Think?

By Stephanie Lee

Often, when we consider Stress Types of Negative Stress we might There are numerous Positive Stress- Those living in Southern Califor-
Management, our first thought is experience include serious phys- ors that contribute to our well-be- nia know all about traffic delays.
to completely eliminate stress in ical injury, mental or physical ing. Physically, we can experience But when you see the brake lights,
our lives. However, the truth of the abuse, loss of a loved one, or many stronger hearts, muscles, and slowing traffic, and miles of cars
matter is we need a certain degree other unforeseen problems that bones after we exercise safely and ahead, do you feel anxious, frus-
of stress to achieve many goals. can change the course of our lives. effectively. Traveling to new places trated, or upset? What if, instead,
Yes, I know it’s hard to imagine Of course, we can conquer these and learning new things both con- you were able to see being stuck
that stress can be a good thing. situations, but we may need help tribute to our growth as individuals in traffic as an opportunity to en-
Don’t you just wish it didn’t exist or guidance. by expanding our worldview and joy your favorite song, listen to
at all? Well, following are a few the world in which we live. your favorite audiobook or pod-
examples of where stress can be a We hear and read stories of in- cast, or just relish the solitude?
benefit to us. spirational and successful people Positive stress comes with some
who have had significant Nega- discomfort, just like Negative Remember when you last argued
Working out or exercising stress- tive Stressors and overcame them. Stress. The difference between the with someone close to you? You
es our body which helps us grow Oprah Winfrey being born into two is the result. The discomfort of might have felt annoyed with
physically by getting stronger poverty in rural Mississippi, Demi Positive Stress brings about some that person or maybe felt misun-
and more flexible muscles. Gravi- Moore being raised by her alco- benefit or growth for the person(s) derstood, which might have frus-
ty stresses our bones which helps holic mother and stepfather, and involved. Although, Negative Stress trated you. But what if you could
us dodge osteoporosis, among Walt Disney being told no one can ultimately have the same effect see this as an opportunity to learn
other diseases, and learning would like Mickey Mouse are just depending on how we view the sit- something new about this person,
something new can stress our a few examples. uation. practice patience and love for this
mind, which most often helps us All of these people survived their Of the three Categories of Stress, person, or even learn something
have a better life. new about yourself?
hardships and went on to become Perceived Stress is the most im-
Knowing there is going to be a cer- outstanding individuals demon- portant. What we believe is what We have a choice. We can see
tain amount of stress in our lives, strating that Negative Stress- we perceive. stress, in its many forms, as a gift
the key is to learn to manage it. To ors don’t always have to have and not meant to harm us. Wheth-
do that, we must first understand long-lasting defeatist results. We We can turn almost every event, ev- er Positive or Negative, it can bring
what this thing called stress is. can choose how we respond to ery day, or every moment into a Pos- about growth, and we can avoid
life situations. itive or Negative. Absolutely, there using food to mask our feelings
There are three Main Categories are truly negative things that hap-
of Stress: Negative, Positive, and For those of us who choose to pen to us that can’t be perceived in related to our stressors.
Perceived Stress. When we think respond to Negative Stress by any other way, but even then, we
of stress, the Negative variety is using food to calm or soothe our have control over how we respond For more information or to schedule
what usually comes to mind. Most anxious thoughts or feelings, my to those events or situations. Our an appointment with Stephanie Lee,
of us believe Negative Stress is point here is that we can make response is largely due to our per- Weight Loss Behavior Coach, please
to be avoided at all costs and we other choices instead. It takes ception of the events or situations. visit her site or contact her via email
might feel overwhelmed when it some effort to change, but we or phone.
does show up in our lives, but we have options for how we perceive Take a moment to consider the • www.theleemethod.com
all experience it at some point. Negative Stress. things you may consider stressors • lmt4me@live.com
in your life.
• 760-712-7232
If you enjoyed this article, you will love Stephanie’s upcoming book entitled Confessions of a F.A.T (Frustrated and
Tenacious) Fitness Instructor. Email Stephanie at leestephanie089@gmail.com to be notified when her book is available.
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