Is Stress Beating You Up?

By Al Sears, MD

Contrary to what you see in many ads for weight-loss products, the stress hormone cortisol does not directly cause weight gain. But I just came across a convincing study showing that stress over long periods can trigger increased insulin. And too much insulin can lead to weight gain.

Remember that insulin is the hormone that regulates fat storage. And many of us tend to eat high-carb, sugary "comfort foods" when we're stressed. Here's a better way to deal with stress: Whenever you feel stressed, turn your conscious attention to your breathing.

At first, don't try to alter your breathing in any way. Just observe it. Do that right now, while you're reading this. Notice which muscles you are using. Notice the seamless transition from inhalation to exhalation. Feel it in every part of your body. This focus of your attention is therapeutic in itself.

Now, simply take a little longer to exhale. Slowly, smoothly, quietly blow out just a little more air. Feel the physical tension release, and you will forget all about the stress.

This is a source of great power in every sense of the word. Your muscles relax, then recharge. Your mind becomes still, then refocused. Your cortisol levels come down... and you are ready for the world again.

Make this a ritual. Just five minutes of focused breathing twice a day can make a remarkable difference.
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It's Good to Know: About Online Tattletales

Bad drivers, people who park illegally in handicapped-only spaces, litterbugs, rude people, and others who misbehave in public... beware. Several websites have popped up that allow your fellow citizens to report your behavior - and even post pictures, your license plate number, and other evidence of your antics. Check out Irate-Driver.com, Rudepeople.com, Litterbutt.com, or Caughtya.org to see if you've been caught in the act.

(Source: USA Today)
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Word to the Wise: Arcana

"Arcana" (ar-KAY-nuh) - from the Latin for "secret" - is specialized or mysterious knowledge, language, or information that is not accessible to the average person.

Example (as used by Paul F. Campos in Jurismania: The Madness of American Law): "Here we must enter briefly into the technical arcana of employment law."

Michael Masterson
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These articles appear courtesy of Early to Rise [Issue #2061, 06-06-07], the Internet's most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com/.