Don't kick yourself when you're down!

Ever have a REALLY rough day? Boss screaming at you, deadlines piling up, maybe a total career crisis? What about a relationship break down, friend blow up, significant other or spouse that walks out? We were never promised that this world would be one giant walk through aromatic gardens filled with butterflies and cotton candy, life happens, pain and stress happen. But remember, just because you're floating in the bowl doesn't mean you're supposed to reach up and hit the flusher! It is so easy to let ourselves go when times get rough. Stress drains your energy, so it's easy to pass on that trip to the gym. When you're miserable, you want SOME part of you to feel good, so you let yourself dip into previously forbidden foods, sometimes even gorging on them telling yourself you deserve to feel good, that you'll stop once the stress is over. Well, you got one part right, you DO deserve to feel good. But don't let that be the trick your mind uses to undue all the good your healthy habits have created. It is easy to use food to medicate our minds and our hearts. In that moment your body feels good and you can tune out the other pain. But food can be a harsh mistress that loves you and leaves you in shambles. When she does, your body is in a state of chaos. Your blood sugar and hormones, already out of whack from the stress, go even further out of balance, causing everything from headaches to weight gain to and further sleep issues and depression and increased inflammation throughout your body. The worst part comes when you must face the realization and mental anguish that on top of your stress, you've just sabotaged yourself and your fitness goals. So what do we do about it???
Remember, the stress does not define you! When I started out as an attorney, I was in the best shape of my life, and within 2 months, I had no energy and had gained 7 pounds! Late nights at the office, happy hours filled with too much wine and bar food, anything and everything in the kitchen at work, you name it I ate it. I just wanted to feel good. The problem was, I never did feed good. I was exhausted, and that led to a vicious circle of more caffeine and sugar, no work outs, and further down the hole I went. One day I was just so worn down that I stopped to look in the mirror, and couldn't stand what I saw looking back, inside or out. I started taking care of myself, eating for fuel rather than comfort to boost me through stressful times, I made myself sleep 7-8 hours, and pulled myself back into the gym. 7 pounds came off, plus more. I had more energy, and created a new healthy cycle.
Remember, you are NOT helpless. Look at your health as an army against your problems rather than a battered shield. Hydrate, sleep, fuel, exercise to regulate your stress, hormones and weight (not to mention help you deal with the drama a LOT easier), and you can COMBAT your stress rather than wallow in it or exacerbate it. Remember, this too shall pass, and when it does you'll be healthy, proud, and looking fantastic.