Unresolved stress in the form of feelings and emotions stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. That’s the flight / flight response which activates the production of cortisol and adrenaline.
One of cortisol’s primary functions, at normal levels, is to stimulate the release of glucose, fats and amino acids for energy production and to encourage the body to refuel itself after responding to a stressor. One of the negative effects of high levels of cortisol is increased appetite and cravings for certain foods.
Chronic levels of stress keeps your appetite ramped up so that you feel hungry most of the time.
Chronic stress also causes insulin levels to rise, and together, cortisol and insulin signal the fat cells to store as much fat as possible. And to hold onto the fat stores.
So stress literally reduces the ability of the body to release fat.
Once negative emotions are felt in the body you have about 6–8 second window to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. Otherwise, the sympathetic nervous system will activate cortisol and adrenaline will be released into the system.
By using both EFT (emotional freedom technique – also called meridian tapping) and slow rhythmic breathing techniques (The Relaxation Response) the parasympathetic nervous system will take over and releases oxytocin, the hormone that contributes to a feeling of trust and well-being. As we release the negative feelings and emotions in the body a person gains control of their emotions, they take back control of their life. As a result, stress levels will go down dramatically and the weight will begin to come off.
Common unresolved feeling and emotions leading to stress / fear / anger / rage / guilt / grief / resentment / blame / shame / worry doubt / jealousy / hate / pessimism / despair / powerlessness sadness disappointment / discouragement / embarrassment / helplessness hopelessness.