Okay… I just spent the last 30ish minutes searching the web for inspiration. I kept coming up empty handed and decided it was time for me to start typing and see what happens.
The last couple of days I’ve had a few friends reach out about stress eating while they are home with their kids right now. Not that they don’t love and adore their children, it’s just a different change of pace (and hearing MOM, MOM, MOM, 17 million times a day instead of the normal 12 million when they get home from work) – the environment is different – changing the level of stress.
To combat the new “normal” some of us go back to negative old habits, some of us pick up new, not so great, habits, and some are able to thrive right now. If you’re anything like me – you may have hit all three of those areas, maybe even in a single day.
Look back the last couple of days. How often did you recognize what emotions you were experiencing? Do you tend to push them aside and let them hang out on the back burning? Then one kids crying, the others not listening, one refuses to brush their hair, etc. – you want to lose it (or maybe you do). Then comes – the stress eating. Yikes! I get it, but good news!
G R A C E
After we’ve given ourselves a lot of grace we can do a few things for ourselves that will help with stress eating. It may not happen overnight, it more than likely will not, but here’s a list to help us.
- Be grateful.
- When you’re experiencing a weak moment and may want to turn to food – stop, grab a piece of paper and write 3 things you’re thankful for. Depending on the ages of your kids – have them participate to.
- Exercise.
- Keep a good exercise routine. This is a great way to get those endorphins going. Maybe play around with when your workout happens. Right now you might have more flexibility with when you get your workout done. Maybe try an afternoon workout instead.
- Clean eating.
- I know, I know… but once we’re making better choices overall – it makes the temptations come around less often.
- Get enough sleep.
- THIS is a big one for me right now. My sleep has been all over the place. I think mainly because before I go to sleep I think it’s necessary to check the news headlines. Why, why, why!! Anyway, let’s do better in this area. Maybe it means not bringing your cell phone into the bedroom, maybe it means looking at a bedtime routine, maybe it means something else for you. Explore your options.
- Change the negative thoughts.
- Similar to number one, but a bit different – we have the opportunity to spin our negative thoughts. If you have one pop in, flip it into a positive. Soon you’ll experience less negative thoughts. A personal development book is a great tool to pick up for this one.
- Meditate.
- Even if this means checking your breath in the moments we want to turn to food. As Owen tells me, deep breaths mom. Maybe you want to try counting down from 10 and do a few deep breaths.
- Get outside.
- If possible, this is one of my faves!
There you have it! Give that list a try and see what happens. I’d love to hear what your favorite one is or if you have another one to add. Share away!
Now… let’s take a look at what’s on the calendar for #flexFriday.
- BOD Calendar – Insanity Max 30: Friday Fight 30 minutes
- Free Calendar – Morning Meltdown 100 Sample Workout
