We all have those days and at times even weeks where we are super stressed out.
Please help me out with ideas on how you handle your stress without eating :confused:
Jade

The best way I have found to keep from eating while under stress is to stay busy. I keep an on-going "to do" list. When I get overly stressed I pull it out and start knocking things off the list..an idle mind is the stress devils workshop. I bet there are tons of things you could do instead of eat..clean out a closet...put your tape collection in alphabetical order...MAKE your own list and VOW to not let the cry of stress be a pain to your hips...you caould always sit down and write me an email I am home til 4pm..hehee

Hugs buddy..

I usually try to get away from the situation or person. Sometimes its just going to the ladies room. Try and think of the big picture and not these little petty things that come up. I also find taking several deep breaths help.

Also having a hobby helps. I crochet and find that very relaxing. I usually do something small so I can finish it and feel like I've accomplished something.

I never really feel stressed until it's time to go to bed. Then I have time to think about everything... :(

May I suggest keeping a journal, it may help you to sort out your feelings, and to recognize patterns of behavior that you may not have noticed otherwise. It may relieve some stress just to put it down for you to see and go back read and reflect on different thoughts, ideas, or events. :) A food journal (to keep track of fat and calories), water intake, exercise, mood, time of day, etc. may also be helpful.

You mean without a ball bat, right Jade?? LOL

Yes DJ lol :)
I would like ideas that won't put me in jail for violent behavior :)
Jade

If you can work it out at all, I recommend exercise first thing in the morning. Get up early and head out the door for a brisk half hour to an hour walk, or work out to an aerobics tape. It will start you off in a relaxed frame of mind with more serotonin and good mood chemicals for your brain. It is hard to do at first, but well worth it.

[ 03-27-2001: Message edited by: Artsy ]

I am VERY into stress management and feel its saved my life. I do most of these every day...

Sing this to the tune of "Let It Snow"
Let it GO, Let it GO, Let it GO

Meditate

Start your day with l0 minutes just for YOU, in the garden, taking a walk, sitting and staring out the window.

Keep hands busy

Be creative

Read a book

Call a Friend

Come to DT

Take a nap

Play an instrument (I don't play one, so I got a native pow-wow drum and just play it very rhythmically til I calm down...its very effective)

Walk in a natural area and SEE IT

Breathe deeply many times

Yoga

Pray

There is one more sure fire way to relieve stress with out eating. Umm I just can't say.
You get the picture.. :tongue:

I just posted some information regarding stress over in the exercise forum. :) HTH

I exercise...

if I'm stressed then I talk to a close friend about it just so I can let all my feelings out. That seems to help the most. Also, running each day makes my life a lot less stressful... but I can't explain why that is, it just happens.

Thanks for all these wonderful ideas - I will be sure to print them out :)
Jade

Hi - If I am really stressed I lock myself in the bathroom. I take a warm bath with lavender aromatherapy oil in it, I burn lots of candles - and (special treat)have a glass of wine.

It works every time.

Jade: When I started working out again in 1999, I was under a crapload of stress.. Then I went to a sep class and forgot about it for a whole hour and then some! I was hooked!

I can handle most anything after a good class. :)

Corinna