Belly Fat Alert: How Stresses Packs On Pounds and Other Key Takeaways from a Neuroscientist

Are you worried about belly fat creeping up on you? Welcome to the club.

However, it’s crucial to note that belly fat isn’t just about extra pounds; it’s a storyteller, narrating tales of stress, brain health, and the intricate workings of our bodies.

That’s one of the many interesting takeaways from an episode of The Diary Of A CEO, where British-Nigerian entrepreneur and podcaster Steven Cliff Bartlett interviewed Dr. Tara Swart.

Swart is a neuroscientist, advisor, and author of The Source: The Secrets of the Universe, the Science of the Brain. 

Here are my key takeaways from the podcast episode, with actionable tips for those who want to tweak their lifestyle to have a healthier body and mind.

1. How Stress Causes Bellyfat

When we’re stressed, our bodies release a hormone called cortisol. This hormone, originating from the adrenal glands, courses through our body and brain, signaling a state of alert. 

In ancient times, this response was crucial for survival, preparing our bodies for fight or flight.

“The other thing about cortisol… is that as a survival mechanism, it will help you to store fat around your abdomen so you know again in the cave, if you were potentially going to like not find food for a month then if you had extra fat around your abdomen you could digest that and survive till you could find food,” Swart explained. 

In our modern world, however, the triggers for stress are often not life-threatening, yet our bodies react in the same way.

• Actionable Tip. Belly fat isn’t just a cosmetic issue. Research links it to increased risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. To combat stress-induced belly fat, start with stress management techniques. Incorporate activities like yoga, meditation, or even simple breathing exercises into your daily routine.

2. Stress Is Literally Contagious

It might sound like a metaphor, but stress being contagious is actually a phenomenon backed by science.

“Stress contagious. So cortisol is the main stress hormone, and it will leak out of our sweat about this far around us, go into the skin of everybody else, and it’s going to impact them,” Swart said.

This phenomenon is known as emotional contagion, and it’s deeply rooted in our evolutionary history. In the past, being able to quickly pick up on the stress signals of others was crucial for survival, as it often indicated impending danger. Today, this same mechanism can cause us to absorb the stress of those around us, even if there’s no actual threat.

This contagion effect is particularly strong in close relationships and tight-knit groups. For example, if a family member or a close colleague is under a lot of stress, it’s likely that you’ll start to feel some of that stress, too.

• Actionable Tip: To protect yourself from stress contagion, be aware of your emotional boundaries. Recognize when you’re beginning to absorb someone else’s stress and take steps to manage it. This could mean taking a break from the situation, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in activities that help you relax and decompress.

3. Intuition is Your Strongest Decision-Aiding Tool

Often dubbed as a “gut feeling,” intuition is far more than just a hunch. It’s a powerful tool that serves as an internal compass deeply rooted in our brain’s ability to quickly process past experiences, emotions, and knowledge, even if we’re not consciously aware of it.

“You can’t remember everything that you’ve experienced in your whole life but you know somewhere in the neural architecture, and you know, in the gut, neurons as well, that information is stored,” the neuroscientist shared.

“Intuition is the lessons that you’ve picked up along the way that you’re not conscious of, but they’re still stored in your nervous system.”

The power of intuition in decision-making lies in its ability to tap into the wealth of our subconscious knowledge and experiences. It’s like having an internal advisor who knows all about our past experiences and uses that knowledge to guide us in the present.

• Actionable Tip. When faced with a decision, take a moment to listen to what your intuition is telling you, but also consider the logical aspects of the situation. By doing so, you can make well-rounded decisions that benefit from both the wisdom of your intuition and the clarity of rational thought.

4. Nature Boosts Health

Swart highlighted the profound impact that nature has on our health, underscoring it as more than just a backdrop for leisure activities. Nature, in its serene and unaltered state, offers a unique therapeutic environment that can significantly enhance our overall health.

When we step into a natural setting, be it a lush forest, a tranquil beach, or a quiet park, our bodies and minds undergo a transformation. The fresh air, the soothing sounds, and the visual feast of natural beauty work together to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. This connection to nature is deeply ingrained in our biology; it’s a relationship that has evolved over millennia.

Spending time in nature has been shown to increase attention span, creativity, and the ability to connect with others. It’s not just about the physical benefits of fresh air and exercise; it’s about the mental clarity and emotional balance that nature can provide. 

• Actionable Tip: Make a conscious effort to spend more time in natural settings. It doesn’t have to be a grand adventure in the wilderness – even a short walk in a local park or spending time in your garden can be beneficial. Try to incorporate nature into your daily routine, whether it’s taking a walk during your lunch break or simply sitting outside for a few minutes each day.

You can watch the full podcast episode here.