Serotonin-Plus Fitness Blog: Unwind for a Flat Stomach

Stress can negatively impact our bodies in so many ways, but it can also cause belly fat to stick around even when we are eating properly.  When we are stressed out, a hormone called cortisol is released which causes an increase in belly fat.  Besides being unattractive, belly fat is linked to an increased risk for heart disease.  It may be tough for you to avoid stress, but you can fight off cortisol levels by relaxing at the end of each day.  Try taking a hot bubble bath with lavender at the day’s end.   Stretching and yoga poses also have a great calming effect.  You may want to try writing in a journal at the end of the day to let your thoughts out.  Don’t forget to laugh as much as possible because laughing is a great way to cope with stress.  If you’re in a bad mood, watch a comedy or read a funny book.  Finally, the number one stress buster you can do every day to decrease cortisol levels is exercise.  After a rough day, working out may be the last thing you want to do,  but you will certainly feel better afterwards.