Stress Eating

Deadberri

When things at work get too hectic I go for a soda, because we have a refrigerator of them. I had been doing really good til the past few days. There had been multiple problems, customers stress me out, my boss has been very stressful on me, and I feel like I can't get anything done on time or right. Any suggestions on how to avoid stress eating/drinking when I can't calm down?

TavistockToad

Diet soda that has little to no calories?

LisaEatSleepRun

The best thing for my stress management is exercise! For me, running in the mornings keeps me pretty calm all day and helps me cope better with stressful situations. Do you exercise? Working out releases brain chemicals (endorphins & serotonin among others) that help with depression, anxiety, sleep, mood and yes, even cravings. Can you take a walk during your lunch break if you don't have time before work?

Ironandwine69

I think the best way to maintain a healthy lifestyle is to stop having an emotional relationship with food. Food is not comfort, food is not reward. It starts with the brain. It's a mindset

lemurcat12

Diet soda/black coffee can be nice to have as a crutch, but yeah, working on not using food for comfort is the key.

Maybe have a plan of how to react to stress (go for a quick walk around the office, journal for a minute, listen to a song, do some deep breathing) and then implement it. In the moment, without a plan, your mind will react by going to old habits.

LVNF04

Take that soda and chuck it in the trash, if you have stress then get a squishy hand toy, do stretches, breathe, try meditation or meditation music, if possible maybe a foot roller under your desk if your work allows.

I don't know how soda loaded with sugar and caffeine is supposed to make it better?

GingerSnaps718

Sounds like a job I worked for a time!
Getting out of the office for a little while. Sometimes I would go to another part of the building or go out during my lunch time. I had friends who would sit in their car and listen to music. Eventually I did a self care assessment on myself. I was not taking good care of me. I looked at my sleeping habits. I changed my bedtime so that I could get 7-8 hrs of sleep. I started exercising, setting a goal of 5x a week. I went to the doctor for a complete physical exam. I felt terrible, aches and pains. I looked at my time management. Was I doing someone else's job? Are there some duties that I could delegate? Am I being honest with my boss about deadlines, cutting myself too short on the time it takes to complete a project? I stopped volunteering for stuff in the job. I started finding ways to relax and take time for myself.
You may have to look for another job.
The changes were not made all at the same time. I am still in the process but I am doing lots better.
I hope this helps.

Deadberri

These are all very insightful. I apologize I haven't responded til now. Work had been a bit crazy this week. I wish I could walk around and such. But I unfortunately don't get a lunch break (I eat when I can and if I'm hungry.) And I work in fast food. As a manager I'm constantly needed and can't seem to grab even a minute to calm. I haven't worked out in a while and I miss it. Always made me feel ready to take on anything. I'm not really sure how grabbing a sugar loaded drink helps me, but I'm guessing it's those "feel good" chemicals. My boss is rather difficult and sees that if I'm not doing enough work for 3+ people then I'm not good enough, and may cause me to loose my job or not get the promotion I've been trying so hard for. I have helped a little bit with work stress by turning my phone on silent and auto reply when I'm home. But I always still check my phone though and always worry and it's causing panic attacks to happen again. I probably should know my limits better and work on the destressing part. Most of the stress I probably do to myself. -_- Thank you everyone. Super appreciated.