Worry, frustration, pressure, tension, guilt, stress or whatever you call it, it’s all basically the same and it’s something we all have to deal with.
Problem is, when you struggle with your weight, stress is often a trigger for over-eating. We all know this, it’s likely one of the issues we had to deal with as part of the pre-op screening. But knowing about and dealing with are two different things.
Part of the problem is how eating to relieve stress happens way too often on a subconscious level, and in the end only results in a merry-go-round ride that only gives a temporary relieve, and usually ends up adding even more stress in the form of guilt.
So here’s some suggestions beyond the typical “slow breathing” or “talking it out” kind of stuff on how to shift your focus away from the unconscious level.
1. Exercise – Yea, I know. But physical exertion can be a great stress reliever. I have a heavy bag in my basement for those times where I really feel like hitting something. You don’t have to go that far, but it is fun.
2. Tune Out – Music can really effect your mood. One of my personal favorite ways to decompress has been to sit in a darkened room listening to Mannheim Steamroller.
3. Play a Game – If you have an smart phone or other portable device, keep a couple of games you can turn to when you need a quick distraction, soduku, solitaire, a shoot-em-up or whatever. I have a couple of word games on my phone I play that offer a good mental distraction.
4. Get Artistic – grab the kids crayons or play-doh, or get yourself some paints. Experiment, explore and play. This can really open up the other side of the brain for you.
5. Tinker – If you have a wood shop, go cut up some boards and nail them together. If you want to actually make something, more power to ya. Or if cars is your thing, maybe get a small engine for a lawn mower or ATV or something that needs fixing and work on it. Don’t focus on actual car repairs though, they can just add to the stress level, especially if you can’t get the engine tuned before you need the car to get to work or something.
6. Read – Be it a great blog such as this one, a book you enjoy, or the sports page. Personally, I still love to escape in to comic books. I have a subscription to Marvel Digital so I can pull up something new at any time I need a little distraction.
7. Hit the Shower – Take a nice hot shower, and just soak up the spray. Ok fine, if you really want… I suppose you can take a bath. But none of those bath bead things or candles. c’mon, yer a dude, right?
8. Eat Something – Yea, I know, this is supposed to be about not eating. But if you are due for one of your planned snacks, why not really enjoy it. Have an apple and eat it slowly, focusing on the taste of each and every bite. Or some nuts – get your portion and eat them one nut at a time. Chew slow, really get in to the taste of each individual nut.
