Let’s talk about something we’ve all experienced: stress. It is always chasing the deadline, working to meet numerous family obligations, striving to accomplish every activity; and before someone realizes stress has crept in. And if you’re anything like me, you probably notice that stress doesn’t come alone, it often brings along its not-so-lovely companion: weight gain.

A few months ago, I was in a position that I am asking to put someone in now. I literally spent most of my time seated at my desk, managing an AI website development job that is as demanding as it sounds. Decisions were required, customers wanted it ‘yesterday’, and I was surviving on coffee and sugar. Chips and cookies? Check. Midnight pizza? Double check. Exercise? Nowhere in sight.

I quickly discovered that my jeans no longer felt comfortable, and I was as tired as I’ve ever been in my life. Something had to change. Well, I had to start debugging my life, a little humour here as a techie, and look for ways to regain my health.

Step One: Facing the Problem

The first element was knowing what was happening in the first place. Stress eating isn’t just about having no self-control, it’s about biology. Many of us know that when are stressed our bodies produce the so-called stress hormone cortisol which makes us crave carbs, or comfort foods in general. And when your job is to sit for hours and look at screens (like me being an AI website developer), those extra calories are not burned as easily as you would hope.

Step Two: Small Changes, Big Results

It wasn’t like I changed all aspects of my life drastically from one day to another, though I took baby steps. Eating became my best ally and cooking in advance saved my life. Instead of reaching for fast foods, I started portioning healthy foods for meal prep on Sunday. Consider barbeque chicken, assorted fresh vegetables and fruits, or exotic dried fruits, and nuts. Incorporating more interesting components is possible even when the diet is low carb, I managed to discover how to do it.

Second, I focused on the movement. It is also important to have a regular break from sitting, and I programmed my computer to give me an alarm to stand after an hour. When I could spare a few minutes, I would walk to the nearest block or even stretch a bit using yoga in the living room. These mini-breaks were excellent for both shedding those extra pounds around my waist and keeping me focused.

Step Three: Work Smarter, Not Harder

One of the greatest things that I realised was that automation forms a key part of the process. I too have always been an avid Ai website developer and this usually entails a lot of typing, therefore I had to be creative in this regard. Gaming apps that I have used comprised those that monitored my intake of food and exercises, reminded me to refresh, and even had a calendar to plan my break time. Minimizing the aspects of my routine that require massive mental power allowed me to maintain consistency as well.

The Results? Life-Changing!

After several months it came into fulfilment and also in the non-scale victories my emotions, energy, and focus levels. I wasn’t just scraping through my working days; I was shining. More energy meant that being an AI website developer was less stressful in that I had the ability to confront challenges effectively.

So, if you find yourself in the same pattern try to relax. Start small. Whenever possible, try to begin with the healthy habit change at a time when you can devote as much attention as possible to the new habit. So, always remember, no matter what you are doing; be it, maintaining your health or working, automation, and consistency are your biggest buddies. Fix your life like you would fix a website it is doable and it’s worth it.