Stress

[lady_kishiria]

My dissertation advisor wants me to re-write my presentation.

No word on the security clearance that I was told would be in last week.

My weight is officially out of control. I'm bulging out of a pair of pants that fit me last week and I don't know why.

Comments

[garpu.livejournal.com]

Bugging Our Lady of Guadalupe for you as I type...

[elevengirl.livejournal.com]

Thoughts and prayers from here. Hope things settle down soon.

[helenkacan.livejournal.com]

Are you aware of the effects of stress on weight (i.e., when you get really stressed, the body produces cortisol and SHUTS DOWN -oh joy- fat burning)?

Or else could it be related to peri-menopause? Where you are along in your cycle?

I know I'm not being a ray of sunshine, but I'm out of other possible suggestions.

Supportive hugs,
H.

[kishiriadgr.livejournal.com]

I've heard the "cortisol" theory, but as I've never heard anything about it except in weight-loss commercials, I don't believe it.

Discussion of my plumbing is regulated to my "no boys allowed" filter. Let me check to see if you're on it.

[taxlady.livejournal.com]

Stress and cortisol (thanks helenkacan, I couldn't remember the word).

Are you drinking lots of water? Going for relaxing walks? Breathing?

[kishiriadgr.livejournal.com]

Mayo Clinic calls bullshit on the cortisol thing:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress/AN01128

I drink plenty of water and am trying to go running three times a week. My joints dislike doing it more than that.

Part of my stress issue is that I'm a type A personality to a grotesque extent. Steve will tell you that even my fun activities are goal-oriented, as in deciding I will watch all of a certain director's films or arrange and memorize a particular piece of music, etc. I never do anything for its own sake and at the moment, changing that pattern isn't going to help me out. Maybe after the 9th.

[taxlady.livejournal.com]

I would hardly say that the Mayo Clinic calls bullshit on the cortisol thing. They just haven't seen proof. They mention temporarily increased levels of cortisol and do mention that there is a disease with elevated cortisol that causes weight gain.

Anyhoo, I said "relaxing walks". I should have written, "Relaxing strolls". And a bit of deep breathing can't hurt. Maybe even a massage?

I'll send some anti-stress vibes in your direction.

[kishiriadgr.livejournal.com]

They said that cortisol causes weight gain if the stress is very prolonged or in case of Cushing's syndrome. I checked a couple of other medical web pages which said the same thing. The company pushing the "stress causes weight loss" is CortiSlim and other merchants of fine snake oil.

Unfortunately, a lot of this comes down to *time*. I'm working at least eight hours a day, commuting 45 minutes each way, trying to keep in a fitness schedule AND having to do new dissertation work every time I turn around. Plus with Steve busy doing something I'll let him announce, the housework is now on me too. So no relaxing strolls right now.

Massages are a no-go as well. I don't like being touched by strangers and Steve hurts me when he tries.

[letter-d.livejournal.com]

You have my complete sympathy -- I'm in a similar case, although for different reasons. (Although I've also suddenly become all lumpy and bulgy in the last week as well, and likewise haven't a clue why.)