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A new report from the National Institutes of Health has found a link between weight loss and lack of stress. According to the study, people with the lowest amount of stress had an easier time losing 10 pounds than people with higher amounts of stress.

Additionally, it was found that plenty of shuteye promoted easier weight loss: people who slept between six and eight hours a night had an easier time shedding pounds.

Of course, applying these findings to one's own weight loss endeavors is easier said than done. In an ideal world, we would all be free of stress and able to sleep soundly for eight hours every night. Reality is a little less relaxing. However, there are things you can do to slash stress (and unwanted weight) from your life.

Consider the following:

Be mindful. A new study from the University of Bristol has found that people who eat while they are distracted (such as while on the computer) are less satisfied with their meal and more likely to be hungry in the hours afterward. They also ate twice as many snacks than people who ate their meal without distractions.

Mindful eating has become the buzzword of the health community for a reason, and studies such as these prove the importance of food's role in our life. Food is not only meant to nourish our bodies, but also our spirits, and when you eat your meal while watching TV or working at your desk, you won't receive the mental satisfaction.

Instead, step away from your desk (even if it's for only 15 or 30 minutes), and actually focus on the food you eat. Notice the flavors and textures, and let your senses awaken as you enjoy your meal.

Hours later you might find that you are more satisfied and less likely to reach for a mid-afternoon snack of potato chips.

Practice healthy sleep habits. If you are like most people, your workweek is hectic and gives you little time for sleep. Then, when the weekend arrives, you want to make up for your lack of sleep so you sleep in (and stay up late!). Come Sunday night, your sleep schedule is completely thrown off and insomnia disrupts your Zs.


Comment: To learn more about the benefits of sleep and how sleep affects overall health and wellness read the following articles and visit the forum discussion: Are You Getting Enough Sleep? Sleeping properly?

'Take Control of Your Sleep, Before It Takes Control Of You'
Lack of Sleep Makes Us Hungrier
Losing Sleep, Losing Brain?
Sleep Deeper With Better Nutrition
Natural Solutions To Sleep Deprivation
Meditation Helps Treat Insomnia


To prevent this, researchers advise that people stick to a strict sleep schedule (even on the weekends). Go to bed at the same time every night, and get up at the same time every morning (give or take 30 minutes). Limit caffeine in the afternoon, and skip alcohol late at night at this can disrupt your sleep.

You also should avoid watching TV or sitting on the computer before bed, as some research has shown this can interfere with sleep. Instead, do some light reading or meditate quietly.


Comment: For an easy to use meditation technique visit the Éiriú Eolas Stress Control, Healing and Rejuvenation Program here.


Exercise for stress relief. People often consider exercise to be a punishment, and it certainly can be if you tackle the gym with the wrong attitude.

Don't force yourself to do exercises that you find boring, and don't overdo it. Instead, find an exercise you actually enjoy (from swimming to dancing to bike riding, there are truly innumerable options), and then work at a pace that is comfortable for you.

Work out with a buddy or your spouse to make your exercise more enjoyable, and institute variety so that you don't get bored performing the same exercises every day. Not only will you lose weight and improve your health, but you also will decrease your stress and get those feel-good endorphins flowing.

Remember, even though you won't be able to work out every day (or sleep eight hours every night), you can improve your life simply by making these small changes and committing to positive growth.