Are you addicted to stress?

So much focus of stress management is about trying to either remove a stressor or find better ways to cope with stress. But what about this idea? Maybe after being under prolonged chronic stress we are actually partly responsible for manufacturing the stress because on an unconscious level we have become addicted to the chemicals that are released while under stress. That while we don't experience stress, we actually feel off centre like we can't tolerate something out of the ordinary and somehow we use our thoughts processes or reactions to life or create life circumstances that keep us stimulated and jacked up on cortisol, adrenaline and dopamine? Just a thought. Anyone who has ever been under a load of stress for a long period of time might have a harder time tolerating peace. This chronic stress could have started in childhood. But regardless of when it started, if we've become accustomed to the physiological reactions to stress, we might have a hard time not living without the status quo. Think about it. Maybe we get addicted to drama and chaos. If you've ever had a chance to relax, take it easy, coast a bit at work, yet can't seem to take the lull or find other ways to keep yourself busy then maybe you're a stress addict. I know I can be. I speak from experience. Maybe we should start looking at the possibility that people can become addicted to stress.

Four mysteries of belly fat revealed

My most recent iVillage article is all about the blasted belly fat so many people struggle with. There are loads of myths floating around about these particularly stubborn fat cells. So I tell you the truth in this article. We've learned a lot about belly fat in the last decade about belly fat. It's time to re-adjust our approach to tackling it.