Navigating Stressful Times by Understanding Stress Eating

Does anyone feel like your snacking/stress eating has increased?

Well, you're not alone!

According to clinical psychologist Cortney Warren:

“There is certainly a great deal of research to suggest that when people are in a crisis situation, when they are highly stressed, one of the first things that will change is their eating behavior.”

How can we navigate this?

1) Find some a sense of normalcy

• All of our normal routines are out of wack (see last weeks post), but most importantly food schedules of changed. Maybe you feel a sense of scarcity when trying to get groceries. This can lead to overeating, stocking up on unhealthy foods and having an unhealthy relationship with food.

Try making list of the foods you have in your home and make a menu for the week. This will help you to feel less anxious about not having enough/the right types of foods for meals.

2) Connect with family and friends

• Physical distancing does not have to mean isolating from the world all together. FaceTime your family/friends or coworkers you haven't seen lately. Text a friend and check in on them. It can be extremely helpful to find ways to give back to others or focus on helping others instead of overthinking our own situation.

3) Manage your triggers

• Set a "worry time". Give yourself 15-30 minutes to think on, write down or talk about all of the negative things that are on your mind. The goal is not to push down your emotions, but to feel them, accept them, and then work through them.

• Write a list of alternatives to emotional/stress eating and put it on the fridge, the notes in your phone or somewhere you will see it.

• Ask yourself "what it is about eating chocolate that is tempting right now?" Maybe it's the taste... but sometimes it's the fact that you're taking a few minutes to reward yourself, or you're relaxing on the couch for a few minutes and so on. Look for the reason behind the craving.

"Food can be a source of comfort and connection during turbulent times. But your health, and more importantly your relationships, will be stronger if you reach for the phone rather than for a biscuit the next time you’re looking for comfort.

To view the full article: https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200331-how-to-eat-a-healthy-diet-when-work-from-home-coronavirus