Ways to stop stress eating and why is it important?

 If you are here it means you are facing stressful eating problems. Let’s not waste our time explaining what stress eating is or what triggers it. This is a common problem almost every person is going through. People tend to eat more when they have stress from work-related issues or family problems. Stress is a main factor that triggers eating habits. Our circumstances or situations from daily life also trigger stress and anxiety which makes us emotional eaters. Stress sometimes comes from within, asking for a raise at work, confronting a friend, or the idea of being perfect at everything. These all conditions trip stress and anxiety.

Positive and negative stress

Both good and bad situations can give stress. If I am joining a new job that is good in all ways but still feeling stressed and anxious it is the phase of that changing. Change always brings anxiety and stress with it. Adapting to a new place, and understanding new work or people is always stressful. If we talk about a bad situation, confronting someone for something they did to you also gives you tension. It also triggers stress, so both positive and negative situations create tension.

How eating helps with stress?

 Some people master this art of controlling their stress in front of others and acting cool. You learn this difficult way and it takes too much courage and time. The only problem which is not so easy to let go of is Stress Eating. You might have heard of the term COMFORT FOOD; it is called this because of a reason. People have different eating habits and favorite foods. Food that can calm them, relax them, and make them forget about their problems is called their Comfort food. Having too much of this can turn out to be unhealthy.

 Most people feel comfortable after eating a plate full of pasta or a big cup of ice cream. Everyone has different emotional eating habits. Stress eating is a common thing but eating too much can come between your wellness and health. I also face stress eating issues every now and then, mostly craving something sweet. This after some time affects my health and weight. Stress eating is normal, and not knowing when to stop is not normal.

 When stress eating becomes habitual during an emotional period of time it can cause severe problems for you. That is the time you need to understand your body and what it is asking for. Now, let’s take a look at ways that can help you to stop from overeating:

1.         A glass of water:

The easiest and simplest way to help you without spending a single penny is a Glass of water. We don’t drink as much water anyway. So drinking water can calm you down and fill that space in your stomach. It is an old trick that works for me by the way.

2.         Write it down:

Sometimes you can’t tell everyone what you are going through. Just grab a pen and book, and start writing it down. What you are going through, what is affecting you, your feelings, emotions, etc. will help you to calm yourself down. We emotionally overshare with people sometimes and regret it later. Well, writing it in a book will not make you regret it. Start making bullet points of the things which cause stress and anxiety. Read them when you feel good. Eating a plate full of pasta might not help later but this will.

3.         Go for a walk:

If you are feeling stressed or anxious, just excuse yourself and take a walk. Leaving a specific area can help you to calm your nerves down. Breathing in the fresh air will help you to think clearly. This will also help you to relax and feel light. When the urge of eating junk, sweet, or fast food hits, get up and go for a walk or run. 

 If you like to work out, do that instead. Hit your gym or any home cardio you are interested in. Eating will only raise your calories and weight. Working out will help a long way.

4.         Talk to someone:

Feel stressed out and want to eat junk? Well, try talking to someone about your condition. Any person you are comfortable with and you know will understand your emotions and feelings. Try talking to them at that time. They might be able to give you a solution you didn’t think of. Eating in this condition you will only put up your weight.

5.         Watch your Comfort show:

I know some of you would like to know what a comfort show is, Right? Well in my dictionary any show that can calm my nerves when I am stressing out is my comfort show. Far better than having Comfort food. Watch any drama, serial, show, movie, or season that can divert your attention. You might learn something or maybe you can have a new comfort show at the end.

 Lastly, these are some ways that can divert your attention for that specific time. If you face this problem every now and then you need to consult a professional. These may not help you to overcome your stress or anxiety but will calm you for some time. Well, indulging in stress eating once in a blue moon is okay, but doing this regularly is not healthy. The mentioned ways can help you to control stress eating and some may be beneficial for your health as well.