These stress-related hormones actually tell the body to create larger fat
cells in the abdomen. The result can be both increased weight (through
increased fat cells), and a slower metabolism.
Obviously, these are two very negative factors in the quest to boost
metabolism and lose weight. The last thing that we want is more and
bigger fat cells in our abdomen, coupled with a diminished metabolism!
Yet this is, tragically, what happens to many people who experience
constant, continuous stress. And, alas, this is many people; especially
those of us who have to balance so many competing objectives, such as
work, family, and other vital tasks.
So the advice here is indeed to “relax and chill out”, and there are some
simple techniques that can, and should, be added to your life.
These include walking more, listening to relaxing music, meditation, yoga,
eating non-stimulating foods (e.g. no caffeine, no sugar, and so on), and
building a daily regimen that includes periodic time outs where you can
re-center yourself and de-stress.
Remember: while relaxing is good advice for anyone, it’s important for you
to note that stress negatively influences metabolism. So there is a link
between how much stress you experience and your ability to break down
cells and lose weight.
So if you don’t want to relax because you don’t have the time, then you
should realize that your stressed-out life is probably playing a role in your
weight gain/your inability to lose weight.