Making major changes to your lifestyle is tough at the best of times. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier, stop drinking alcohol or quit smoking, it can seem like the world is constantly tempting you with advertisements for a delicious new tipple or limited-edition junk food menu. But have you ever wondered why some days are harder than others to resist temptation?
Recent research conducted by the University of New South Wales has found that your cognitive state is to blame. The study, which was published in the journal Psychological Science, found that if a person is stressed, tired or are otherwise straining their brain power (such as juggling a large workload or performing a difficult task), it’s harder to ignore cues in the environment around us that signal something rewarding, such as fast food signs.
The Study also found that if you have things on your mind, and are trying to perform a task, it’s even harder to resist the allure of things we are trying to avoid eating or doing. Basically, the study found that if you’re stressed, tired, or your mind is on other important issues, then resisting the craving for a cheeky cheeseburger or alcoholic beverage becomes harder, thus triggering unhealthy habits and sabotaging weight-loss efforts.
So, the next time you’re feeling particularly worn out or mentally exhausted, your best bet for staying on the straight and narrow is by avoiding temptation altogether!
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