Summer’s Invitation!
Summer invites us to unwind—but it’s also the perfect time to release stress patterns and nourish your body with intention. Do you feel it? The longer days, the sun, a little more freedom in your schedule—it’s nature’s way of saying, breathe, reset, refresh. And whether it’s the weight of too many obligations—or the extra physical weight that can show up during high-stress times—this season offers a chance to lighten up, in every way. When stress rises, so does cortisol. That can disrupt sleep, drive cravings, and make it harder for your body to find its…
It’s Chill Time-
“Summer is a period of luxurious growth. To be in harmony with the atmosphere of summer, awaken early in the morning and reach to the sun for nourishment to flourish as the gardens do. Work, play, travel, be joyful, and grow into selfless service. The bounty of the outside world enters and enlivens us.” -Paul Pitchford As the summer solstice graced us and school days fade into the rearview mirror, it’s officially time to embrace what I call summertime mode. First, a quick note—I realize I’ve been quieter than usual this month. June flew by,…
The Stress-Weight Connection
Stress doesn’t just affect your mood—it impacts your body’s chemistry in ways that directly influence weight. Here’s how: Chronic stress increases cortisol levels—your “survival hormone.” Elevated cortisol can lead to belly fat storage, sugar cravings, and disrupted sleep. Disrupted sleep can affect various hormones that regulate appetite. Leptin-the hormone that supports us in feeling satiated-gets reduced Ghrelin-our hunger hormone-gets increased. Increased cortisol levels from chronic stress can lead to metabolism changes, increase in appetite and a propensity to use food as a coping tool. But here’s the good news: When you calm your mind, the…
May is Women’s Health Month
“Sometimes the weight you need to lose isn’t on your body.” — Unknown When I learned that May is Women’s Health Month, I knew it was a perfect time to dig into how stress impacts so many areas of our lives-sometimes it’s very obvious, other times not so much. One area that might not be so obvious, is how it’s related to weight issues. As the days get longer and we start thinking about summer, many women will start fretting about their weight and want to start dieting. While dieting can work for short periods…
Why Are the Holidays So Stressful?
Before we dive into solutions, let’s take a moment to understand why the holidays often feel more overwhelming than joyful. High Expectations: Society sets the bar high. From perfectly decorated homes to Instagram-worthy meals, the pressure to create “the perfect holiday” can feel suffocating. Overcommitment: Holiday parties, school events, family traditions—it’s easy to say “yes” to everything, leaving little room for rest or reflection. Financial Strain: Gift-giving, travel, and holiday meals can quickly add up, creating financial stress that lingers well into the new year. Emotional Triggers: The holidays can bring up feelings of loneliness,…
Holiday Stress Getting to you?
It’s HoHoHo time, right? Or maybe not!? Ah, the holidays—a time for joy, togetherness, and celebration. Or so the story goes. In reality, this season often brings a whirlwind of stress: endless shopping lists, packed schedules, heavier-than-usual traffic, financial pressures, family dynamics, and an overwhelming sense of “not enough time.” Does this sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone. Even though I love all the colors, the décor, and the anticipation of this holiday season, it can be a lot! I take joy in decorating the inside and outside of my house. I love seeing…