Stressed? Take five and try this

Heart racing. Palms sweating. The overwhelming feeling of ugh. When you notice yourself slipping into Stress Mode, pause and bring yourself back to the present in 5…4…3…2…1… ahh.

Let’s dive a little deeper…

Worrying about an upcoming work project, stewing over a fight with your partner, juggling a packed calendar—stress is a normal part of life. But these and other stressful moments can mess with your weight-loss efforts. Studies show that when stressed, people are more likely to overeat and eat foods higher in sugar and fat and are less likely to be active. If that’s not enough: High levels of stress hormones can also cause the body to store fat deeper in the abdomen.

Before you start picturing what it would be like to go live at a yoga retreat, know that the solution isn’t to eliminate all your stressors (which, let’s be real, is impossible). Instead, focus on what you can control: How you react. Mindfulness techniques that anchor you to the present moment can quiet your brain and body’s response, helping to protect you, even if the outside world feels a bit chaotic. This shift helps temper the effects of stress and clears your head so you can keep making choices that support your goals.