While our ancestors been knocking about for the last six million years, the modern form of humans only evolved about 200,000 years ago. Civilization as we know began 6,000 years ago, and industrialization started in earnest only 200 years ago. While many changes have occurred since the rise of modern humans, our biology have remained largely the same.

Our body is an amazing survival mechanism. When we are in danger (e.g. being in front of a hungry dinosaur), we are in a state of stress. Our system produces adrenaline, which will cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate.  This shunts blood away from organs you don’t need at that time, such as kidneys, skin and the digestive system to areas with more immediate need, like muscles and the brain.

While dinosaurs have long been extinct, this natural ability for self preservation still exist.  When you are stressed out with exams, work or relationships, your body is ramping up the production of adrenaline and other stress hormones. This makes your body think that it is in danger, shutting or slowing down the blood flow to a lot of our major organs, not allowing them to perform optimally.

Ever noticed why some people get indigestion, constipation or even gastric during periods of stress?  Blood flow was mainly shuttled to your muscles and brain because your body thinks it needs to be running away from danger, it doesn’t have time digest the sandwich you absentmindedly swallowed in front of your computer. So when food is not properly digested, nutrients are poorly absorbed; your gut cannot move effectively because of inadequate blood flow, causing inefficiency in removing toxins among other digestion issues.

Do you know that your body also tends to hold on to adipose tissue aka fat cells, especially during chronic stress? Your body thinks you are too busy trying to survive and needs to hold on to extra resources, in the event you need it in the future. This was especially important back in the days when food may not be as accessible. Despite the changing times and environment we live in, your body still processes raw information in the same manner.

So the next time you wonder why it is so hard to lose weight, aside from thinking about what you eat, when is your next gym session or whether you have taken the right supplements; think of when was the last time you gave yourself a pause. When was the last time you spent quality time with your friends and family, when was the last time you gave yourself a pat on the back, and told yourself: you deserve a rest!

Good quality relaxation doesn’t have to be time consuming either. It can be a stroll outside your office building, clearing your mind before entering your house, or just enjoying dinner with family. Not only will it help to keep your mind fresh, it might just help with your waistline too.