You Can't Eat Your Stress Away
By Donna Stark
We all have those special times in our lives when we tend to overeat, and for the most part, that's OK. Our overall health isn't going to be impacted too much if we fill up on a holiday, graduation, or birthday dinner. The times when overeating becomes a problem though, is when they occur more often than not, and usually, stress is the reason that happens. If this sounds like you, and you would like some easy-to-follow tips on how to get off this unhealthy train, keep reading. There are several ways to get back on the right track!
Manage Your Stress
While it is next to impossible to completely rid your life of stress, there are some simple ways to manage it better.
- Talk about what is stressing you out with a trusted friend or loved one
- Learn and utilize deep breathing techniques
- Start a journal and write in it every day
- Engage in a hobby or some other form of self-care
- Meditate, listen to calming music, or enjoy a good book
- Exercise daily for at least 30 minutes
Do Something You Love
Engaging in a daily activity that you love could be a great way to boost your mood and reduce your stress. This could be something as simple as a morning walk or a coffee date with a friend, or it could be something more involved like gardening or participating in a dance class. Whatever you do, make sure it is something you find a lot of joy in.
Stick to Healthy Foods Only
The easiest way to avoid eating those salty chips or sweet indulgences is to simply leave them at the grocery store. Don't buy them. Don't even bring them home for your other family members. Thinking you will have the willpower to ignore them is easy on paper, but when they are staring at you from the pantry shelf, it becomes a lot more difficult to follow through. So instead, choose healthy. Buy plenty of fruits and raw vegetables you can munch on.
Give Yourself a Cheat Meal
Balance is important in life, so go ahead and enjoy a cheat meal once a week. Completely depriving yourself of your favorite foods has its own unique challenges and setbacks and could even cause more problems down the road. But permitting yourself to indulge, even if it's for just one meal, could keep you on the healthy track for the rest of the week.
Staying on Track
The effects of stress and overeating could cause trouble for you down the road, so it is important to do whatever you can to avoid that from happening. The tips above are easy to follow and can be incorporated into the busiest of lifestyles, so start today and get back on track for optimal health.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Newtown Square, Pa.