10 Days and 70 Ounces of Water — This Is What Happened To My Body

For the past 10 days, this brave work-at-home mom with nerves of steel made sure she got exactly 70 ounces of water a day. Over this time, I learned why doctors insist people drink more water. Here’s what you can expect:

1. I Peed … a Lot

The first thing I discovered is that if your body isn’t used to drinking so much water, you’re going to use the bathroom at least a couple of times a morning. One interesting side note is that my pee was much clearer than usual. After a quick Google search, I learned that this meant my kidneys were working great. So, thanks water for protecting my kidneys!

2. The Munchies Disappeared

This is one of the things that surprised me the most. During my 10 day experiment, I gradually noticed that my cravings for chocolate started to disappear. I wouldn’t turn down a few scoops of chocolate ice-cream if you offered, but I don’t feel the same pull for chocolate or snacks as before. It turns out this is real science. The munchies are often caused by dehydration, not because you’re hungry. Yeah, the brain is pretty weird sometimes.

3. I Have More Energy

As someone who LOVES coffee with her heart and soul, I was pleasantly surprised to see that drinking more water meant I didn’t need to brew a pot for the afternoon. I wasn’t sleepy, depressed or dragging my feet. My mind is more alert. I rely less on pick-me-ups during the day. Dehydration is one of the main causes of fatigue, so it’s no surprise that staying hydrated feels SO FREAKING INCREDIBLE for your muscles, your brain and your mood.

4. My Skin Looks Phenomenal

I’m not the kind of person who spends tons of time with makeup. I tend to focus on my “natural beauty,” AKA pray that my hair doesn’t get tangled as I toss on my pajamas for working from home. However, I made a surprising discovery after upping my water intake: My skin is shockingly lustrous and smooth! Apparently, staying hydrated on the inside directly leads to the amount of moisture your skin gets. In fact, drinking plenty of water can be more effective than applying moisturizer to dry skin. Who knew?!

The Secret To Staying Hydrated

I’m not normally forgetful, but remembering to get those eight glasses of water was more of a challenge than I expected. Here are a few ways to stay on track:

Set a BUNCH of water alarms on your smartphone: After a while, you’ll start to remember.
Use a squeeze bottle and keep it with you: No idea why, but squeeze bottles made it more exciting to drink water.
Drink water BEFORE you eat: This helps you remember and helps you lose weight, too.
Eat more fruit: Fresh fruit has water, keeping you hydrated. It also comes with tons of nutrients for your body.
Make it fun with an infuser: I started infusing my water with grapefruit, peaches, cucumbers and kiwi. It was so tasty that I actually looked forward to it.

In case you’re wondering, 70 ounces of water is basically half a gallon a day. It’s about eight glasses, but eight of those tiny plastic cups, not eight huge drinking glasses. I definitely recommend taking on your own 70-oz. water challenge!

October 15, 2020

The Link Between Stress and Weight Gain

From headaches to fatigue to restlessness to irritability, stress manifests itself in many ways, so it should come as no surprise to you that prolonged periods of stress can result in weight gain. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed with work or life in general, you may have noticed that your pants fit a bit tighter and that that once flattering top isn’t so flattering anymore. This may be despite the fact that you work hard to keep off the pounds via exercise and good eating habits. Why is that though? How can an emotional state cause weight gain? It turns out, there are several reasons for the connection.

Fight or Flight and Cortisol

Stress triggers the flight or fight response in your brain, which then triggers the release of adrenaline, cortisol and, as a result, glucose, into the bloodstream. The purpose of this reaction is to give your body the energy it needs to escape a risky situation. Once the risk subsides, the adrenaline wears off and your blood sugar levels drop. At this point, your cortisol works overtime to replenish your energy levels quickly.

The quickest way to replenish the body’s energy levels is by eating sugary foods. This is why junk food is often the first thing people reach for when they’re stressed out. The problem is, your body did not burn any energy during your moments of stress, meaning you’re consuming excess sugar to replace calories you did not actually burn.
To make matters worse, the body tends to store sugar, especially following stressful situations. Because the body thinks its replenishing used up energy, it will fight to hold onto the sugar for the next “threat” that comes along. If you experience multiple episodes of stress close together, or if you live in a prolonged state of stress, a vicious cycle begins: Get stressed, release cortisol, reach for comfort foods, gain weight and repeat.

Finally, and as if it doesn’t do enough damage, stress slows your metabolism. The findings of one study revealed that women who experienced an episode of stress 24 hours prior to finishing a meal burned 104 less calories than women who reported no stress.

Breaking the Cycle of Stress and Weight Gain

Hormonal changes aside, stress causes individuals to partake in unhealthy habits that lead to weight gain. Those include over-eating, eating unhealthy foods, foregoing exercise, skipping meals and sleeping less. In short, everything about stress works against you in the weight loss battle. If you want to get a hold on your weight, you need to develop ways to better manage your stress. Some of the best ways to do just that are as follows:

Meditate
Exercise
Read
Listen to Music
Hang out with people that make you happy
Laugh

During those times you cannot relieve yourself of the stress, be mindful of how you react. When you crave sugary foods, reach for a banana instead of a cookie. Make exercise a priority, even when you don’t feel like it, as exercise can help with both stress and weight loss. Drink plenty of water to keep hunger at bay, and maintain a food journal. Maintaining a food journal can help you be mindful of what you put into your mouth and identify areas of your diet that need improvement.

Stress is a normal part of life, but when it starts to show in your middle, it can quickly become a health problem in more ways than one. Develop techniques to better manage your stress and watch the pounds melt away with it.

October 6, 2020

The Best Apples for All Your Autumn Needs

From biting into a succulent Fuji apple to enjoying the tartness of a green Granny Smith, apples taste delicious and work any time of day as the ideal grab-and-go snack. And of course, we know that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. But with so many apple varieties at your grocery store or farmer's market, how do you know which apples you should choose for pie and which are best for your kiddo's lunchbox? Here's your fall guide to the best uses for our favorite types of apples.

Braeburn

While this apple hails from New Zealand, it's readily available throughout the United States. With autumn hints of cinnamon and spice, the tart yet sweet Braeburn tastes wonderful plucked right from the tree (or your kitchen table fruit bowl). However, it also works well for baking, with firm chunks that make the perfect pie or apple crisp.

Crispin

This big, chunky apple has juice to spare. Crispins are tart yet sweet and just as crunchy as their name suggests. This is also one of the most versatile apple types, equally yummy in salads, pies, sauces and slices.

Fuji

These Japanese apples landed in the U.S. in the 1980s, where they immediately became renowned for their low acidity and delectable flavor with hints of honey and orange. Because they're just so darn juicy, Fuji apples are best when you eat them whole. You can also slice them thin to add a punch of sweetness and crunch to your favorite fall slaw or salad recipe. We also love cooking down Fujis on the stovetop and using the jammy results to top vanilla ice cream, yogurt or oatmeal.

Gala

You'll notice this versatile apple right away because of its distinctive red and yellow stripes. Also from New Zealand, the Gala is one of the sweetest apples you'll find anywhere. What's more, it works equally well sliced as a snack, reduced into sauce or added to your go-to pie crust recipe.

Granny Smith

This lunch-box classic is distinguished by its bright green hue and tart flavor. Use Granny Smiths in baking to offset the sweetness of sugary cakes and pies. We also love pairing Grannies with a sweet dip like peanut butter or caramel for a low-cal yet satisfying late-night snack. Have an abundance of Granny Smiths? This apple variety also freezes quite well, so you can save them for later.

McIntosh

This apple variety is a favorite for snacking because of its sweet, white flesh. While delicate McIntosh slices won't hold their shape well in pies and other desserts, this is a great apple to cook down if you've been dreaming about homemade applesauce or even cider to enjoy at all your fall festivities.

Red Delicious

If you picture an apple in your mind, it's probably the Red Delicious. This Iowa variety is the most popular snacking apple in the United States because of its gentle sweetness and satisfying crunch. While this grocery store fave works well for salads and slaws as well as eating whole, it's not the best for baking.

The Best of the Rest

Have a special favorite apple that didn't make it into this guide? Here's what we know about the best uses for some of the less ubiquitous varieties:

Applesauce: Cortland, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Jonathan, Lodi and Rome apples
Baking: Crispin, Cortland, Melrose, Golden Delicious and Winesap apples
Snacking: Cortland, Cameo, Empire, Jonathan and Macoun apples
Freezing: Baldwin, Crispin, Ida Red and Northern Spy apples

Regardless of which is your preferred apple, you can feel good about adding any of these fruits to your fall food plan. As an autumn superfood, apples are packed with healthy fiber, vitamin C and disease-fighting antioxidants. Plan a trip to the orchard and grab your cookbooks to start experimenting with this fabulous fruit.

October 6, 2020

Eat on the Go a Lot? This Is Why You’re Gaining Weight

Does any of this sound like your daily routine?

Eating lunch at your desk
Grabbing a toaster pastry on your way out the door
Stopping at a drive-thru on the way to work
Skipping meals
Buying a muffin or donut while you fill your gas tank
Eating at weird times of day
Ordering fast food over your lunch break
Getting your “lunch” from a vending machine

If so, you’re probably noticing that it’s hard to reach that slim waistline you’ve been craving. Rushing through mealtimes makes it harder for your body to burn calories. It adds literal pounds to your waistline. Here’s why:

1. You Eat Too Much

Eating quickly doesn’t give your body time to signal when you’re full. This makes it easy to overeat. Any extra calories go straight to your waistline.

Taking your time to savor your food lets you digest what you’re eating. This balances blood sugar levels and reduces the amount of sugar turned into fat. Plus, relaxed eating prevents that nasty afternoon energy crash that leaves you reaching for caffeine.

2. You Stay Hungry

Have you ever grabbed a candy bar and looked down to see the empty wrapper in your hand, but you don’t remember eating the candy bar? That’s exactly what happens when you eat on the go. Scientists have discovered that it’s not just your stomach that tells you you’re full; your brain does, too.

When your brain is distracted with something else — walking or working — you won’t feel full even if you’ve eaten enough. You’re going to have major munchies, and what happens next probably won’t make you proud.

3. Your Body Misses Out on Fat-Burning Nutrients

People who eat on the run often choose foods that aren’t exactly healthy. It’s tempting to grab toaster pastries, donuts, muffins or burgers and call them a meal because they’re so convenient. But they’re also nothing but empty calories that make you gain weight.

On the other hand, fresh fruit fills you up and gives your body tons of energizing nutrients. Many of these antioxidant superstars supercharge your metabolism and help you burn fat.

4. The Portions Are Huge

If eating on the go means swinging through a drive-thru, you have to deal with the massive portions of most fast-food restaurants. DON’T SUPERSIZE IT! Even normal burgers and fries are enough to blow past your daily calorie limits. The gigantic portions of most places can quickly undo any exercise you’ve done all week long.

What Can You Do?

How can you avoid gaining weight if you have a busy schedule? First, understand that eating on the go is dangerous and taking your time is healthy. People who rush through meals are at a much greater risk of heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

If a busy schedule is the problem, cook healthy foods the night before that don’t take long to serve in the morning, such as a fresh berry smoothie. Set aside a reasonable amount of time to enjoy eating, such as 15 minutes for breakfast, and 30-45 for lunch and supper. During this time, RELAX.

If you’re at work, find a nice outdoor spot where you can sit and eat a tasty sandwich or salad. Savor the flavors, talk with friends, or just enjoy the refreshing air. This can help you lose weight, and I guarantee you will feel more productive.

September 30, 2020October 15, 2020

5 Laundry Hacks That Are All-Natural

It seems like every day there is some new study suggesting the potentially harmful effects of chemicals found in cleaning products. While many products, especially for laundry, are safe, it is necessary to note that some things that people routinely use, like dryer sheets, can harm your appliances, leading to costly repairs or replacements. If you are interested in avoiding any potential health risks and you want to hold onto your appliances for the long haul, then maybe consider using natural products for your laundry cycles.

1. Essential Oils

Many people choose a laundry detergent not based on its cleaning abilities but rather its smell. While there is no getting around the marketability of names like fall showers or natural spring, what benefit do you get from the scent other than odor?

Essential odors provide significant benefits beyond a pleasant smell. You can choose lavender, which has the advantage of being antimicrobial, anti-mold and anti-mildew, or if lavender is not a favorite scent, you can try tea tree oil, which is also antibacterial. However, purchase therapeutic grade oils to avoid skin sensitivity.

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a versatile product, especially when it comes to cleaning kitchen appliances, but did you know it can also be used on laundry. Baking soda will lighten stains and deodorize clothing, which should not come as a huge surprise since that is why many people place an open box in their refrigerators. However, what some people may not know is that the product can also balance the pH levels in your washing machine, leading to brighter and fresher clothing.

3. Vinegar

While vinegar may not be a person’s first choice when it comes to laundry softeners or washes, it is a useful product, especially for musty smelling materials or items that are frequently damp. The residues that build up on clothes can lead to stiffer materials and hold hard to remove odors, but if you add vinegar into the wash cycle as a laundry detergent or fabric softener, the acid in the distilled white vinegar will eliminate the persistent residue, leaving clothes softer and fresher.

4. Tennis Balls or Wool

Dryer sheets, while well-loved, are among the most harmful products to your clothing and appliances. The fragrances that make dryer sheets so appealing can damage your dryer, and the chemical coating that affects the dryer can also affect the wearer. Many people cannot use dryer sheets because of allergies or sensitive skin.

Instead of using the sheets, consider using dryer wool or tennis balls. While you will not get the same pleasant aroma, a tennis ball or wool will leave your clothes softer and smelling fresh.

5. Warm Folding

Folding laundry is among the most hated laundry tasks, and many people find it frustrating when they fold and find their clothes wrinkled when they go to wear them. The problem is that most people wait to fold clothes instead of doing it right out of the dryer. If you fold clothes when warm, you can prevent post-laundry wrinkling.

If you are interested in doing an all-natural laundry cycle, then try the tips above. If you want more helpful home and lifestyle tips, then continue reading The Calorie Myths blogs.

September 30, 2020

3 Fall Decorations To Transform Your Home

The summer is over, and 2020 is nearing its end (thankfully). With hopes for a new year, it is time to dress up houses in the warmth necessary for the coming months. Unfortunately, many people struggle to come up with the best ways to decorate their homes.

Warmer months are easier to decorate, especially the outside because of flowers and lawn ornaments, but when the cold arrives, the focus turns to the inside. While there are plenty of healthy and sturdy fall plants, like mums, what else can you use to bring color and worth into your space? How do you transform your area for the fall and coming winter? Three decorative elements help to resolve the next seasonal transition with beauty and grace.

1. Wreaths

Nope, wreaths are not just made for Christmas. Stick wreaths are a popular choice among home DIYers because of the item’s versatility. You can use ornaments from any holiday to create a unique set of wreaths that can completely alter your living space: exterior and interior. For example, you can use dyed black leaves and flowers with skeleton accents for a lovely and whimsical Halloween decoration, or you can use fall foliage and pinecones for Thanksgiving festivities.

A wreath is an excellent way to transform an entry door or entryway. These decorations are inviting and warm, and with no limit on decorative ideas, you can use and reuse the wreaths for months and years to come.

2. Plaid and Flannel

As the summer ends and transitions from fall to winter, the temperature begins to plunge, which means most people seek warmth. Plaid and flannel blankets are common during the cooling months, and by introducing the materials, you create a warm ambiance in your home for visitors. However, throw blankets and bedding are not the only way to incorporate the bold patterns of plaid and flannel. You can also include patterned curtains, kitchen towels and rugs for a somewhat country cabin aesthetic.

3. Pumpkins and Gourds

If you want to transform the exterior of your home, then consider buying a selection of pumpkins and gourds for the fall aesthetic you are after. Nothing says autumn more than several groupings of colorful vegetables. You can even break up the hard lines and contours by placing mums between, creating a bright and textured exterior.

However, do not be limited to only decorating the exterior of your home. You can also use a combination of gourds and pumpkins to decorate your dining table or fireplace.

The autumn is the final transitional phase of the year before winter and a new beginning. As many people worldwide have struggled through 2020, it is easy to say that 2021 must be better, so hold on to some optimism and transform your home in preparation for the coming winter and the end of a challenging year. If you would like more advice and information about home decorating and lifestyle choices, then continue reading The Calorie Myths, a blog dedicated to personal improvement.

September 18, 2020

How Eating Habits Affect Your Skin

Although the skin is your body's largest organ, it can be easy to take it for granted or neglect it. On the other hand, maybe you're the type of person who invests in expensive creams, lotions, and treatments to keep your skin in good shape. Either way, you may be overlooking one of the biggest influences on your complexion: the foods you choose to put in your body.

Can what you eat affect whether you have wrinkles, acne, or other skin problems? Although your genes influence a lot of this stuff, it's also susceptible to environmental factors, including your diet! Although there is no magic food that will guarantee you a healthy, luminous complexion, making dietary changes is an excellent way to complement your skincare routine.

Foods That Nourish Your Skin

Although you may have seen some DIY facial mask recipes that are made entirely of edible ingredients, some foods help your skin when you eat them. One type of food that has benefits for your complexion is anything with healthy fats, including omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Think fatty fish, flax meal, and avocados. Both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids contribute to healthy, glowing, moisturized skin.

Another type of food that is great for your skin is anything that improves digestion. Proper digestion removes toxins from your body and helps nutrients get absorbed. When your body can use nutrients effectively, it shows it by giving you glowing skin and lustrous hair. Probiotic foods and beverages, such as yogurt and kombucha, as well as warming spices such as ginger and turmeric, have been shown to aid digestion.

Foods That Contribute to a Troubled Complexion

Although many people claim that eating fatty foods leads to breakouts, a bigger culprit is sugar. All refined carbohydrates act like sugar in your body, so they can all be blamed for a sudden bout with acne, even in older adults. Too much sugar can lead to inflammation, which your body expresses in many ways, including by giving you bad skin. Some people find that consuming dairy products leads to acne flareups, possibly due to the hormones in cows' milk. If this is a problem for you, avoid dairy. If you prefer to eat yogurt because of its probiotic properties, try a dairy-free version.

The Question of Hydration

Your skin needs to be well-hydrated to keep its glow and not start peeling or cracking. Although intensive facial moisturizers do wonders during the winter and light moisturizers do the trick in summer, there's another way to keep your skin moist all year long. You need to drink plenty of water every day, no matter what. Remember, your skin cells, like all other cells in the body, are primarily made up of water. Even your blood contains quite a bit of water. As you lose moisture through respiration, sweating, and so on, remember to replenish and rehydrate by drinking water. If you don't like the taste, add a squeeze of lemon or a mint leaf. Don't reach for sugar-laden sodas or energy drinks.

What you put in your body is as important as what you put on it. You could have all the fanciest serums and night creams in the world, but without proper nutrition and hydration, you aren't likely to get the results you want. What foods have you noticed either clear up your skin or do the opposite? Share your tips and tricks in the comments.

September 18, 2020September 18, 2020

Embracing Spirituality in Every Day Rituals

Counting calories, determining the dangers of sugar, or fighting about whether or not it's OK to have an egg a day are common health and diet debates and conversations, but ultimately, they are distractions. The objective of any person trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle is to find peace and happiness. While diet can absolutely affect mood, it is more important to deal with the psychological side of being human.

Spirituality and mindfulness are now coming to the forefront in the health and wellness community as integral components of a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, too many people put their noses up at the idea of anything sounding too religious or contemplative. Thankfully, spirituality does not mean having to submit to a new set of moral platitudes. Instead, being spiritual and mindful means being present and having a purpose. It is not hard to be more spiritual or mindful; you can do it in eight simple additions to your daily routine.

1. Intention

The primary objective of spirituality is to live with purpose. Therefore, when you wake up in the morning, make an intention for the day. What do you want to focus on today? Is there something you need to address? Don't let today be empty.

2. Affirmation

Affirmations are positive and repetitive mantras that you say to yourself. Many people choose to do this in the morning while looking at their reflection, but you can do it anywhere you feel comfortable.

3. Meditation

While many people imagine people sitting cross-legged and humming to themselves, meditation does not need to be so cartoonist. Simply setting aside a few minutes every day to let yourself be without interruption is soothing. The idea is to focus on the moment and nothing else.

4. Nature

Some studies suggest that being in nature reduces stress and anxiety in most people. It shouldn't be too surprising since ancestral civilizations thrived in the wilderness. Take time to sit outside, or go on a walk.

5. Gratitude

Did you know that showing gratitude and being thankful can make you happy? Take time out of every day to say thank you for something. You don't have to find something significant. You can even be thankful for the sun or pleasant weather.

6. Silence

People get caught up in the noise of life. It is hard to find silence during your workday or even at home, but finding quiet is essential. You can also use silence to enhance your relationships by listening.

7. Prayer

While people associate prayer with religion, it does not have to be about God or a deity. Prayer can be used as a form of meditation, affirmation or gratitude; if you have never, try sitting down in a quiet room and praying or releasing your concerns out into the universe. You may be surprised at how comforting it is.

8. Appreciation

While appreciation and gratitude seem synonymous, appreciation is more about relationships with people. Take a few minutes out of your day to appreciate the relationships and people you have in your life. Realize how lucky you are to have family, friends and love.

While nutrition is a significant part of your physical health, you cannot neglect your spiritual health. If you want to find happiness, embrace mindfulness and your spiritual side. Continue reading the Calorie Myths for more insight.

September 14, 2020

Beauty Products I’ve Ditched This Year (and What I’m Using Instead)

It seems like a good year for cleaning out closets, redefining priorities, and generally doing a big life edit. If you've been feeling this way, too, you may not have thought about decluttering your beauty cabinet. It's a good thing to do a couple of times a year because every cosmetic product has a shelf life. When you start poking around in there, you may be shocked by how old some of your stuff is. Time flies, right? The age of a product isn't the only benchmark to consider when ditching beauty products, though. Consider the following when making decisions about what to keep and what to toss.

Toxins and Other Unhealthy Ingredients

You may have heard of the dirty dozen list that tells you which types of produce are most likely to be contaminated with pesticides, but did you know there is also a dirty dozen list that pertains to beauty products? The list includes sodium laureth sulfate, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, and parabens. You may be shocked to learn that these potentially cancer-causing ingredients are not prohibited in products that touch your skin. It's up to you to educate yourself and avoid these products. You should also steer away from products that are comedogenic, such as coconut oil, or too harsh for your delicate facial skin, such as pore strips.

Unethical Practices

If a cosmetic label says "not tested on animals," that means it's not tested on animals, right? Not necessarily. Such a claim may apply only to the finished product. Some cosmetics producers contract with other companies to do their animal testing for them, or they may use ingredients that are currently tested on animals. If cruelty-free products are important to you, find out about certifications such as Leaping Bunny and what the certification guarantees. You may find that some ingredients have been extensively tested on animals in the past, but are no longer used that way because their safety has been proven for decades.

Non-sustainable Packaging

Sheet masks, disposable wipes, and non-recyclable packaging add a considerable amount of pollution to the earth when you throw them out. Look for packages that can be recycled at home or find a beauty supplier that takes back packaging for industrial recycling. Another option is to purchase durable containers that you can reuse when the product is gone. Many high-end beauty products come in glass containers that can be refilled or used for crafts or to hold small items on your desk.

The bottom line is that you should know what's in the products you're using. Read ingredient lists and claims you find on labels. Know which claims have standardized meanings and which are only marketing speak. When you know what's important to you and you understand cosmetics labels, you're in a terrific position to make good choices about what you'll allow into your home and onto your skin. Although it may be difficult to throw out containers that still have product in them, your body and mind will thank you for taking a stand.

September 14, 2020June 25, 2021

How I Unwind After a Stressful Day

Although no one enjoys feeling stressed out, anxiety is a natural response to stressful situations. It helps us protect ourselves and be more alert to danger. However, living in the modern world probably creates more stress than is useful. Sometimes you just need to decompress, and it's important to find healthy, sustainable ways of doing that. Healthy ways of unwinding help to renew you. They don't simply make you forget your problems or make things worse in the long run.

Strategies for Renewing Your Energy

Breathwork:

You hear it everywhere these days: Practice mindful breathing. Do you know why everyone is talking about it? It's because it works, and it's not a mind trick. Studies have shown that breathing mindfully can decrease negative thoughts, reduce stress hormones in your body, and help regulate your heart rate and blood pressure.

Treating yourself:

No, it's not about going on a shopping spree. Instead, nourish your body and mind with something you enjoy, such as a warm cup of tea, a hot shower, listening to your favorite music, or snuggling with a partner or pet. The key is to set aside time to do these things without distractions, even if it's only for 10 minutes. Be fully present in the moment.

Getting your blood pumping:

You may think that raising your heart rate would make you more anxious, not help you relax, but the opposite is true. You don't need to knock yourself out running a marathon after work, but a brisk walk or a round of jumping jacks can reduce stress hormones and raise your endorphin levels.

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Temporary Stress Relievers To Avoid

Junk food:

Although having a sweet treat is fine once in a while, reaching for processed foods every day will make you feel worse overall.

Alcohol:

Some health professionals recommend a glass of wine for its physical benefits. However, if you find yourself reaching for a hard drink every time something doesn't go your way, you risk forming a dependency that's hard to break. Alcohol also clouds your judgment and is full of empty calories that can leave you feeling sluggish.

TV binging:

If you want to unwind while watching a movie or TV show, fine. If you find yourself staring at the screen for hours on end, though, this probably isn't the stress reliever for you. Too much TV can easily make you feel worse instead of better.

Procrastination:

Stress at the end of the day is bad enough. Don't make it worse by procrastinating on prepping for the next day.

As with anything, moderation is your best bet. Too much relaxation can cause you to get behind on things that help your life run smoothly, and once your routine is thrown out of balance, you get more stressed out. The solution here is to get organized, not to take more time off. On the other hand, structuring every minute of your day in the name of productivity is a surefire path to burnout. It's natural to get off balance once in a while. The key is to catch yourself, reexamine your priorities, and make needed adjustments.