How do you handle stress? I've been having such a stressful week that I want to turn to food to comfort me. I haven't done to bad, but want to stop it completely. HELP!

For me it's always exercise that helps. When I'm stressed it's like I absolutely *have* to move and a brisk walk always makes me feel so much better. Plus I have time to think about what's bothering me while I'm out walking.

Hope you find something that works! :)

I know it is easier said than done but.....the best thing to do is walk away from whatever is causing you stress and take a deep breath and try to shake it off. Even if it can only be for a few short minutes. Try to gather those negitive feelings and look for a way to turn them around to a positive. Like I said easier said than done but with practice it can work.:D
lynn

How do you handle stress? I've been having such a stressful week that I want to turn to food to comfort me. I haven't done to bad, but want to stop it completely. HELP!
1. aerobic exercise, or at least a nice long, peaceful walk

2. rest (good night's sleep, very short nap(s) during the day, meditation breaks, do some routine tasks in 'slow motion', each time you sit down take a few slow, calming breaths)

3. reduce stimulation (substitute reading for TV time, avoid spicy, sugary, and/or caffeine loaded foods)

4. cut back on your activity load, choose relaxing tasks instead of challenging ones, to fill your day (for some of us, housework is restful)

5. if you start getting bored with so much time on restful activities, put on some of your favourite music

6. Think about what's caused your stress: are you leaving urgent and important tasks undone? This would raise anyone's anxiety levels.

7. Work at being better organized. Make a "to do" list, but, do not fill your day completely, make sure one of your 'to do' items is to take a break.

8. Reduce Clutter!! This is often a notable stressor for some of us.

9. If you just can't get into something like meditation, then jigsaw puzzles, crossword/Find-A-Word type puzzles, can sometimes give you such a different activity to plug away at, that they're like a mini-mental vacation in themselves.

rD

A healthy disdain for CRAP FOOD
is what helps me get by. I have
a hatred (yes Hatred) for Fast Food
advertisers on TV, candy makers, and
all purveyors of CRAP Food that will kill
me slowly with carbohydrates and cholesterol.

That and (when I was in weightloss phase)
the knowledge that if I stuck with it that i
would soon be skinny.

And I treasure my health more than I
do a momentary thrill from eating CRAP!

But frankly, if you design your diet correctly
you shouldn't be tempted to cheat.

Just say no to CRAP FOOD. And laugh
when someone offers it to you like you
know it is crap food and you won't put
THAT in your mouth. (The healthy little
laugh I find helps to intimidate those
who PUSH the food on you and eventually
THEY will feel guilty for offering and eating
it themselves. (In an ideal world.)

And get some SLUGS for the candy machines
at work and when no one is looking clog it up
with a slug. And then enjoy the cursing from
all the others when they can't get their sugar fix.

Seriously, Do ANY THING YOU WANT TO, except
eat when you get the cravings. Use your imagination
and make a list of things you will allow yourself to do
instead of eat, and barring that... make a list of healthy
foods with practically NO CALORIES that you can eat
instead of CRAP.

Just my two cents here, but seriously I follow my
own advice and I am happy with the results.

Good Luck,

I have turned to drinking and eating lately for stress. But then I decied to take some me time.

I painted my nails, hot curled my hair, but on a cocktail dress and heels and took myself to the Toni Braxton concert. After the concert I was so rejuventated that came home did it with the husband and then still wanted to clean the house.

The vibe has carried on with me. I haven't had a drink so far this week and I am listening to more music and relaxing with good movies. I have told myself no food during movies. This has curbed the eating a little for me.

Me time is a great stress reliever. I try to take a bubble bath and read a book. Tell the family that you need 40 mins or so, just for you. It is just as important to take care of your mental health, as it is to take care of your physical health.

I can't help much....I'm just the opposite...I don't eat when I'm stressed and eat too much when I'm bored! :laugh:

A healthy disdain for CRAP FOOD
is what helps me get by....
Just my two cents here, but seriously I follow my
own advice and I am happy with the results.
:water:
LOL - that's great! You did lose a lot of weight and I love how you are actually below your goal weight.