Test: What happens when you’re stressed?

The first sign you’re under stress is that your healthy eating habits go out of the window. You may find yourself craving sweet stuff, eating erratically, or feeling hungry all the time.

Then you start to skip exercise or yoga sessions, and use wine to wind down, or spend evenings watching TV and snacking instead. There’s a voice in your head that says you ‘deserve’ a treat when you’re under stress, but what you’re actually doing is trying to numb the uncomfortable feelings inside.

You can be an ‘all or nothing’ person, and like to throw yourself wholeheartedly into whatever you’re dealing with. That focus has got you far in life, but unless your wellbeing is your current project, it can get sidelined.

Your big red flag is when you start to neglect self-care activities because you ‘don’t have time’. That’s your cue to do the opposite, and find more time for exercise, mindfulness, hobbies, cooking from scratch, reading or whatever sustains and nourishes you. Yoga is your secret weapon, as it brings you back into your body and helps you stay in touch with what you need.

NEXT STEPS:
If your sleep is suffering, try this easy 4-step yoga routine to get a good night's rest.