Why More Sleep May Be Your Ticket to Weight Loss
By Genevieve Cunningham
For most people, losing weight is a goal that stays on their list of things to accomplish. Most of us carry around a few pounds that we would like to drop. But actually making this happen? It can be incredibly difficult. And unfortunately, sometimes we make it even more difficult than it has to be. How? Through our habits. But this also means that we can make the process easier by turning around these habits. And if you're interested in this approach, start with your sleep. If you would like to drop some weight and more sleep sounds appealing, take a look at how starting with better sleep may lead to weight loss in your life.
It Lowers Stress
We're all bombarded with stress. From the time we wake up and go to work to the time we get home and go to bed, we're introduced to one stressor after another. Why does this matter? When it comes to weight loss, stress can cause you to hit a snag. The more stress you suffer, the more likely you are to hold onto or gain weight around the middle. If you can get more sleep, you can naturally lower stress levels, and weight loss may happen as a result.
It Heightens Body Function
Sleep is crucial for overall body function. When we lack sleep, we may notice digestion slow down, focus suffer, and metabolism get a little out of whack. By catching up on sleep, we may notice that these areas improve. And as our body functions more efficiently, weight loss becomes easier and much more likely.
It Lets You Relax
The last thing you need is another thing to stress and worry over. Unfortunately for many of us, losing weight is a big stressor. But this becomes even worse when we aren't getting rest. It suddenly seems like a much bigger problem, and we worry even more. But if you focus on sleep first, you can relax a little about losing weight. And the more you can relax, the easier it is to actually accomplish the task that you've set your eyes on.
Losing weight is tough, but it's even tougher if you're also exhausted. Focus on getting more sleep and the weight loss may quickly follow. It's an easy way to jump start the weight loss process as well as simply improving your health as a whole. And with more rest, you may also find that your everyday life feels easier, less stressful, and happier overall.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fort Collins, Colo.