As the anticipation of a holiday approaches, many of us dream of feeling great and comfortable in our own skin. Yet, the pressure to look and feel a certain way before a trip can often lead to stress and self-doubt.
“Going on holiday in 6 weeks just want to feel comfortable in my own skin.” — Sarah, 45
Sarah’s desire to feel comfortable in her skin before her holiday is a common goal, but the timeline can create a sense of urgency that’s difficult to manage. When you’re faced with a tight deadline, the pressure to achieve rapid results can lead to unsustainable practices and added stress.
The idea of wanting to look and feel great before a holiday can lead to quick fixes like extreme dieting or overexercising, which often result in temporary changes rather than lasting improvements. This pressure can overshadow the enjoyment of preparing for a trip, causing anxiety and frustration.
A frequent mistake when trying to achieve quick results for an upcoming event is resorting to crash diets or excessive exercise routines. These methods can lead to short-term changes that are not sustainable and can potentially harm your health. Additionally, focusing solely on appearance without addressing underlying health issues can result in disappointment when the desired outcomes are not achieved.
Another mistake is neglecting overall well-being in favour of superficial goals. It’s easy to become fixated on looking a certain way rather than prioritising how you feel both physically and mentally.
Understanding the science behind sustainable health and well-being can provide insights into why quick fixes often fail. Research shows that rapid weight loss methods can lead to muscle loss, decreased metabolic rate, and nutritional deficiencies . Furthermore, the stress of trying to achieve drastic changes in a short period can negatively impact mental health and well-being .
Sustainable health improvements are best achieved through gradual changes in diet, exercise, and lifestyle. Studies have found that incremental adjustments lead to more lasting results and better overall health . Additionally, focusing on holistic well-being rather than just physical appearance can enhance self-esteem and comfort in your own skin .
Leptin and Stress: The role of leptin, a hormone involved in hunger and metabolism, is critical in understanding how stress affects weight and body image. Chronic stress can disrupt leptin signalling, leading to increased appetite and weight gain . The HPA axis, which regulates the body’s stress response, can also impact weight management by influencing cortisol levels and metabolism.
To feel comfortable in your skin before your holiday, consider these steps:
- Adopt a Balanced Approach: Instead of extreme measures, focus on making balanced changes to your diet and exercise routine. Incorporate nutrient-dense foods, stay hydrated, and engage in regular physical activity that you enjoy.
- Set Realistic Goals: Aim for achievable goals that prioritise your overall health rather than just appearance. This approach helps you stay motivated and reduces the stress of trying to meet unrealistic expectations.
- Mindful Practices: Practice mindfulness and self-compassion to improve your body image and reduce stress. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and positive affirmations can support mental well-being and enhance your overall comfort in your own skin.
- Holistic Health: Focus on a holistic approach to health that includes physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Addressing all aspects of your health can lead to more sustainable improvements and a greater sense of comfort and confidence.
- Deep Health Coaching: Working with a health coach can provide personalised support tailored to your needs. A coach can help you create a balanced plan that aligns with your goals and supports your overall well-being.
If Sarah’s experience resonates with you, and you’re ready to feel confident and comfortable in your own skin before your holiday, I’m currently offering two weeks of free coaching. Get in touch to discover how my deep health coaching programme can help you achieve your goals and enhance your overall well-being.
References:
- Bjorntorp, P. (2001). “Do stress reactions cause abdominal obesity and comorbidities?” Obesity Reviews, 2(2), 73-86.
- Mühlhans, B., & Müller, M. J. (2010). “Effects of rapid weight loss on metabolic rate and muscle mass.” Current Diabetes Reports, 10(2), 160-167.
- van Strien, T. (2018). “Causes of emotional eating and matched treatment of obesity.” Appetite, 124, 30-40.
- van der Klaauw, A. A., & Farooqi, I. S. (2015). “The hunger hormone leptin: a critical review.” Diabetes, 64(2), 640-653.
This article addresses the desire to feel comfortable in your skin before a holiday by providing actionable advice and emphasising the importance of a balanced approach. By focusing on sustainable changes and overall well-being, you can achieve a greater sense of comfort and confidence in preparation for your trip.