I have been in a rut. This always seems to happen after I start losing weight. I get kind of down from time to time and then I will eat my feelings. This has constantly been a struggle for me. What do people do when they feel like they aren't in control of their life? I know that there is an alternative to eating to feel better but I need to hear it from someone else. Call it reassurance, if you will.
I can relate to you because my life has been kind of emotional for a while. What helps me a lot is exercising. It is a stress reliever. Also, you could journal, listen to music, go out and talk a walk. Keep yourself busy.
sooo much easier said than done. how do you stay motivated when it comes to exercise? i will do well for weeks and then my life will get too busy and i won't exercise as much. is there a way to trick your brain into thinking more positive? i know i sound crazy, but that's the way that i think.
I listen to my mp3 player when I'm exercising. This helps me a lot since I love music. If you get a treadmill or other equipment, you could exercise whenever you wanted to if other times are too busy. Well I usually think wow there are so many other people out their that have it worse then me. I should just be thankful for what I have in my life now. Hope this helps!
yes, it does. thanks very much! i think a positive attitude is key. :o)
I would say you should find a workout buddy or a workout group (maybe an aerobics class or a master's swim group). Having the social interaction and making new friends is a big motivator.
I also try to schedule workouts right in the middle of the time when I'm most prone to unconscious eating (2-3 hours before bedtime, for me).
You may be suffering from perfectionism! The hardest days for me are those right after I haven't exercised and/or I've eaten too much. Challenge yourself to get through those days b/c, in my opinion, life will be full of them ... rather than saying to yourself, "geez, I've done it again ..." try "ok, it's understandable, I've been busy, stressed, most important thing is to know these days will happen." Don't drag out the negative feeling by being too hard on yourself.
I know exactly where you are coming from. Having suffered from depression and (as lawpphd1 says) perfectionism, I know that when life gets tough, I eat. And eat. And then sit and do nothing physically.
I find the following things help:
Get out of the house or away from the food you are tempted to eat. I like to go for a walk (with or without a friend) because it gets me fresh air, exercise, and hopefully some sunlight.
Take a bath or shower and pamper yourself.
Write in a journal. Call up a friend to talk.
Drink tea/coffee/water in a nice mug or glass.
Play a musical instrument or do something artistic.
Sign up for a class. If it's an exercise class, all that much better! No matter what, you are getting out, interacting with people, away from whatever is difficult in your life, and you are doing something or creating something and it gives you a chance to relax.
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