Excessive calories….poor food choices….inactivity, all equal weight gain. But what about “worry related weight gain”? Is it possible to actually gain weight as a result of worry? Yes. Read on.
Worrying, to some degree, is a natural reaction to the unknown and can (in some cases) help us better prepare for the unexpected. But worrying to the degree that our thoughts run in the direction of being overly and/or obsessively concerned while we project what might happen in our future negatively affects our overall wellness. From our appetite (overeating to poor eating habits) to our behavior (sleeplessness, anger, anxiety, drug/alcohol abuse), worrying can start our body on a downward spiral when it’s not reigned back into reality. Balancing our thoughts (the power of positive thinking regardless of our situation) with our reality (it is what it is and we have to learn to accept the good with the bad in life) can often be an overwhelming task, especially if we feel alone and disarmed.
Captive thinking
The most dangerous result of worrying isn’t just what it does to our mind but to our body. The neurotransmitters in our mind create a steady pulse in our brain, forming “engrams”. These engrams are pathways that recall response to behavior when we repeatedly perform the same task. So when you think about it, worrying has just as much of an opportunity as positive thinking does in its ability to create engrams in our brain. When we hold “every thought captive” (2 Corinthians 10:5) we change our paradigm one thought at a time. As our thoughts change our body responds by relaxing, resting and restoring itself to wellness. While a certain amount of “healthy fear” is needed for balancing our lives (we need to know when to flee a situation versus staying and getting hurt) it’s excessive worrying and stress that will do us in.
It’s next to impossible to be calm and anxious at the same time, isn’t it? So how do you stop obsessive worrying? Prayer and meditation (focusing on the positive, relaxing your mind and connecting with God) can do wonders to help calm your mind, body and spirit. Trying to just practice “mind over matter” only works to the extent of your brain’s ability to overcome through shear willpower. While willpower is a must, your brain needs a rest from the exhaustive effects of worrying. Prayer assists the brain in calming down, taking our thought pattern in a positive and reassuring direction.
Hormones and stress
Anxiety/worry leads to one of two reactions; fight or flight syndrome. Our body naturally releases the hormone “cortisol” into our blood stream, raising our triglycerides and blood sugar levels. Unless we utilize these excessive hormones through physical exercise, our body can suffer damaging side effects (i.e. negative effects on our immune system, poor digestion, memory loss, heart attack, etc.).
Weight gain and inactivity
The more our body suffers stress the more likely we are to “self medicate” through food and beverage. Because “food is a drug” we are more likely to reach for unhealthy food choices (i.e. processed, fast foods, sugary and salty foods). Although some of us will turn to exercise and healthy food, realizing that both help alleviate stress, many will choose a more common emotional response (poor choices and inactivity).
If you find yourself in a downward spiral or vicious cycle of stress related illness and/or weight gain seek medical professional help as well as practicing self discipline. A doctor can only prescribe treatment that will help you get your life back on track. It’s up to you to seek the help you need while disciplining your behavior and your body to work with you and not against you.
Worry busting strategies
Instead of worrying about what might happen, begin to discipline your mind to focus on something positive and affirming in your life. For example, if you’ve just received bad news about something you can’t control remind yourself of what you can control (your thoughts, reactions and attitude). Command your thoughts to align with your belief system (faith). Change your internal message system of thinking from negative to positive (from “I can’t” to “I will”). Instead of seeing your problem as a mountain see it as a life changing challenge, one designed to make you a better and more compassionate person. Look for the “lesson” and embrace what you learn. Ask yourself “what can I do better or differently” if/when faced with this moment in the future. Put your problem into perspective (God is in control and I’m not). Trust your God-given ability to overcome and be strong in the face of adversity. Refuse to give into negativity! Exercise and eat healthy. Stay away from junk food (i.e. fast food, processed food, etc.) and alcohol/drugs.
Quick Tips for Wellness: Nothing affects our weight and wellness more negatively than negativity.
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