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.