RIO Fitness Chicago® Exercise & Nutrition Blog

RIO Fitness Chicago® Tip:

Holidays like St. Valentine's Day can be an emotional/stressful time for many. Stress leads to increased levels of the cortisol hormone which increases body fat production. Here's some relaxing ideas:

1) Wrap your hands around a warm cup of tea, breathe in the steam, and for just a few moments you can enjoy a moment of peace.

2) Sing along to your theme song. Just as faking a smile can make you feel genuinely happier, singing along with your favorite song (even if you don't feel like it) can do wonders for your mood.

3) Breathe. If formal meditation seems too hippie for you, just focusing on your breath can garner some of the same benefits.

4) Write it down. List everything that's stressing you out and causing you concern. Just emptying the clutter in your brain will make you feel lighter, whether or not you have the time or energy to focus on solutions right now.

5) Stretch. You could probably give yourself a mini-yoga class if you know the postures, but you don't need to be a yogini to engage is some old-school gym class stretches. Easy neck circles or by hanging your right ear towards your right shoulder, then left ear to left shoulder. If you're feeling especially tense, take a few moments to knead the muscles along the top of your shoulders.