How Do You Unwind without Food/Netflix?

JustaNoob

AnnPT77 wrote: »

As snack/food replacement habits, I often suggest people seek out things that either require clean hands (like the needlework or coloring) or create dirty hands (like painting or carpentry).

Love this! It sounds like a lot of people keep their hands busy. I can crochet and play the guitar (ish)...

callsitlikeiseeit

I dont have the attention span to do ANYTHING for 4 hours (much less 4 hours of free time where i shouldn't be doing something else LOL)

read
get adult coloring books and cool markers/pencils
sew
crochet
clean/organize
take up a new hobby/ learn a new one
Volunteer somewhere for a couple of those hours
foster a dog (you'll never have free time again lol)
garden (container gardening if you dont have land you can use)
write letters to family and friends (people LOVE real mail!)
digitize printed photos
paint your walls new colors
if you own your home, do home improvement projects

those are just off the top of my head.

cbihatt

I highly recommend a hobby, if you don't have one. Something you can do that will keep your mind busy (and maybe your hands), but is not a huge mental effort. Maybe try a few different things that have interested you, but felt you haven't had time for in the past. Read, play cards, do a puzzle, knit, paint, write in a journal, meditate, learn to play an instrument, do a crossword puzzle, learn wood carving, sculpting....whatever. Keep trying new things until you find the thing that is enjoyable and relaxing to you. It might take some trial and error.

littlegreenparrot1

I walk for about an hour with audio books or podcasts.
Spend time cooking, yoga/tai chi on youtube. Gym/swim if they are open where you are.

A few months ago though I just decided I would not eat after dinner any more. I eat my dinner, usually have some dessert of some kind, clean everything up and that's it. Only tea for the rest of the evening. Occasionally I am ravenous and don't stick to it, but usually it doesn't bother me at all.
It takes work to start with but you can create new habits.

NorthCascades

Bike ride.

scarlett_k

It sounds like you're bored. Maybe you could try finding something to do that actively requires your attention and keeps your hands occupied. Crochet, cooking, painting, DIY? I usually watch/listen to stuff while I'm doing something else.

kali31337

It might because of my job (i'm an outbreak epidemiologist) but honestly, I just go to bed. I workout in the morning and am at my desk at 9:00am and then will often work until 8pm. I take 20 or 30 minutes to just lay on my couch with my dog and something on TV and then will just go get ready for bed. I love things like hanging out with friends and going to restaurants/bars and since that's not a thing right now (plus not conducive with me losing weight as well) I just choose to go to sleep. I may lie in bed and scroll on my phone for a little bit but that's all I got right now

AmunahSki

I like a Netflix fix... and to avoid snacking I brush & floss my teeth then go watch in bed - with just a nice cold glass of water.

Do let us know if you tried any of these tips, and what has worked for you.

wunderkindking

Of relevance here, I think:

I have learned that sometimes the answer to not mindlessly eating in front of the television is to stop binging the show and GO TO BED.

I eat BADLY when I'm tired. My battery (metaphorical battery) runs low and the options are 'eat' or 'sleep'. Sleep is 0 calories.