Whether you go for a walk during your lunch break or hit the gym after work, incorporate regular exercise into your routine. It can help you address both issues simultaneously, so it's essential for warding off stress-related weight gain. Exercising is a critical component of stress reduction and weight management. Feeling overtired can also reduce willpower and contribute to unhealthy eating habits. And research has linked sleep deprivation to a slower metabolism. Sleeping less: Many people report trouble sleeping when they're stressed.You might find yourself skipping breakfast because you're running late or not eating lunch because there's just too much on your to-do list. Skipping meals: When you are juggling a dozen things at once, eating a healthy meal can drop down in the list of priorities.A long commute and hours spent sitting behind a desk can leave little opportunity for physical activity. Exercising less: With all the demands on your schedule, exercising may be one of the last things on your to-do list.You may also be more likely to drive through a fast-food place, rather than taking the time and mental energy to cook a balanced, healthy meal. Eating "accessible" or fast food: When we are stressed, and not planning, we tend to eat the first thing we see and/or what is readily available and accessible, which is not always the healthiest options. You might find that snacking or reaching for a second helping provides you with some temporary relief from your stress but makes healthy weight management more difficult. Emotional eating: Increased levels of cortisol can not only make you crave unhealthy food, but excess nervous energy can often cause you to eat more than you normally would.