11/02/2026
Chronic stress impacts hormones, appetite, gut health and sleep.
But here’s what we don’t talk about enough…
If your nervous system is constantly in fight-or-flight, your body isn’t focused on fat loss — it’s focused on survival.
Supporting your nervous system is an important part of sustainable weight loss.
Here are a few ways to gently start lowering your stress levels:
✨ Breath work – 5 minutes of deep diaphragmatic breathing (inhale 4, exhale 6) to signal safety to your body
✨ Strength training – builds resilience and improves insulin sensitivity (powerful for stress hormones)
✨ Gentle movement – walking outdoors lowers cortisol and improves mood
✨ Sleep boundaries – consistent wind-down routine, screens off earlier, protect your bedtime
✨ Regular meals – skipping meals can be a stressor too
✨ Social connection – call a friend or arrange a catch up with someone who fills your bucket - laughter, hugs & connection regulate your nervous system
✨ Sunlight in the morning – helps regulate your circadian & cortisol rhythms
✨ Journaling, 'brain-dumping', or list writing – reduce mental load instead of carrying it in your head, adding to the overwhelm
✨ Learning to say no – boundaries are stress management
You don’t need all of these.
Start with focusing on one or two.
Weight loss doesn’t just happen in the gym or the kitchen.
It happens when your body feels safe and calm, with nourishing meals and movement.
Comment STRESS if this resonates 🩷
