That's Fit

Life Fitness is a process of continuous growth: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Need motivation and guidance to facilitate positive changes in your life? Ask Life Fit Expert Laura Lewis!

Dear Laura:

I am a worrier, a workaholic and when I get home at night, I am so overwhelmed with getting things "done" that I just can't relax. I am overweight, stressed out and basically unhappy and NOT motivated to workout! I would love to bust out of this cycle. Help!

Exhausted in Carrollton, Texas

Dear Exhausted,

Do you ever stop moving? Stop working? Stop running on that treadmill of your life? Did you know that it is "uber" important for you to take small breaks throughout your day? And also did you know meditating daily and getting "present" is something your brain loves and needs in order to stay healthy, happy and ultimately keeps you mentally, emotionally and physically fit? Yes indeed. Researchers agree: You NEED to slow down and give yourself a break!

Let's chat about the human body for a moment shall we? What would happen if you took a well-oiled machine and pushed it to the max day after day? Hmmm? It would not function optimally for eternity. No way. Your body, and more specifically, your brain has its limits! If your brain works and works without taking breaks, you're not giving it a chance to let information flow, and as a result, breakdown occurs. Is this sounding familiar? With high gas prices, a shaky economy in addition to everyday stressors, taking brain breaks helps you in so many ways. Emory University sociologist Corey Keyes says that "a feeling of emptiness and exhaustion is a sign we need to tend to things." My dear "Exhausted". You fit the bill. Let's see if I may help you see the light!

How is the health and fitness of your body connected to a marathon brain drain? If your brain is on overload, cortisol, the primary stress hormone rises. When cortisol rises, weight gain can occur due to decreased insulin sensitivity, increased appetite and more calories eaten. Taking brain breaks are imperative for mind and BODY health!!! You'll be leaner if you slow down and give yourself a break today! (who else said that? Oh...never mind!)

Here are 7 tips to giving your Brain a break and getting you back on the path to being lean, gorgeous and fab:

1. Slow down between activities! If you are in the midst of the doing the laundry and you've got to get ready for an event or have to take care of the kiddos, stop, look and listen. Literally. Stop in your tracks. Sit down. Look out the window. OR, just be quiet and get present! For just a few minutes.This is HEALTHY instead of rushing from one activity to the next!

2. Stop thinking too much when you are being physical. When you take a walk, look around, breathe in the air, listen to the birds. During yoga, a gym workout, or even jumping on your rebounder, slow your brain down! It is yet again about getting present and stopping the mind chatter!

3. At work, converse, chat, be communal. Life is too short not to talk about common interests. How many hours a week do you spend at work each week? Integrate connecting with your coworkers discussing common interests (besides gossipping in a negative fashion!) and you'll feel super! (Think cortisol is lowering!!)

4. Change things up! Alter the route you drive to work. Change up your morning routine! Eat something different for breakfast that you normally wouldn't! This morning I had leftover turkey "meatballs" and you know what? It made me smile! Plus it was a super protein hit! Think differently. Get out of your mundane routine! It will stimulate your brain!

5. Disconnect from your computer every hour. You know that strange void that occurs when you sit down at your computer? Time flies and you don't know where it goes? Set an alarm and take a break every hour. Get up. Walk around. Do some exercises. Jump on a mini-trampoline or rebounder for 5 minutes. Not only will you stimulate your brain but also your lymphatic system too! When you jump, your lymph pumps out toxins that may lead to fatigue and illness. Now that's motivation!

6. Life is now, love your friends and family. Spend time with them! Why be in such a hurry? Read to your kids and enjoy it! Make the stuffed animals talk! Look in your kids eyes and ask how their day went? Or your roommate. Or your spouse. Take the time to BE with them!

7. Be Nice to YOU!!! Indulge in a bubble bath. Get a massage. Do something that you love! But do it for you! How about treating yourself to a lovely dinner out? Or at home? A movie? A good book? Or simply sitting in your garden, drinking a cup of tea and watching the birds. Be kind to you.

So "Exhausted". You see it IS important to slow down, and give your brain and body a break! When you slow it all down, your entire body will be grateful. When you are stressed out, you won't sleep as well, you'll eat more and you will store more calories as fat. Best of luck in giving yourself a break today!

Healthfully Yours,

Laura Lewis, Life Fit Expert for ThatsFit.com

Taking care of YOU has to do with how much you LOVE you. Take this test on AOL Health and check in on your self love level!