Stress Relievers!

ColeyCannoli

So, I've figured out that I'm a big stress eater! This week has been so busy and I can't seem to stop shoveling it in.
What do you do when you get stressed out? I need some nice alternatives to more cookies before I have to start all over :P

briblue72

this week has been terrible for me!! stress-induced nibbling on candy during the day and going through drive-thrus w/ no time for proper meal preparation!! UGH

rosebarnalice

I'm a big stress eater, too. I find it's all about mindfulness-- e.g., recognizing I'm stressed, and doing something else to distract myself until the urge passes.

I like this quick meditation/deep breathing exercise: INHALING, touch your thumbs to your index finger, middle finger, ring finger, pinkie in sequence while either saying out loud or silently "sah" (index); "tah" (middle); "nah" (ring); "ma" (pinkie); then EXHALING, do it twice-- ("sah" (index); "tah" (middle); "nah" (ring); "ma" (pinkie);"sah" (index); "tah" (middle); "nah" (ring); "ma" (pinkie). Repeat three or four times in a row-- or longer if you have the time.

Do it at your desk; at a stoplight; while taking a potty break. I've even done it standing in front of a vending machine--and then walked away from the machine!

A couple of important points: it should take twice as long to EXHALE as to INHALE because exhaling is associated with brain calming. And connecting a physical act (e.g., touching your fingers in sequence) with a cognitive act (e.g., speaking or thinking the primal "ah-sound" syllables) is associated with centering and focus.

Also great for calming the nerves before a big presentation or meeting!

ColeyCannoli

I'm a big stress eater, too. I find it's all about mindfulness-- e.g., recognizing I'm stressed, and doing something else to distract myself until the urge passes.

I like this quick meditation/deep breathing exercise: INHALING, touch your thumbs to your index finger, middle finger, ring finger, pinkie in sequence while either saying out loud or silently "sah" (index); "tah" (middle); "nah" (ring); "ma" (pinkie); then EXHALING, do it twice-- ("sah" (index); "tah" (middle); "nah" (ring); "ma" (pinkie);"sah" (index); "tah" (middle); "nah" (ring); "ma" (pinkie). Repeat three or four times in a row-- or longer if you have the time.

Do it at your desk; at a stoplight; while taking a potty break. I've even done it standing in front of a vending machine--and then walked away from the machine!

A couple of important points: it should take twice as long to EXHALE as to INHALE because exhaling is associated with brain calming. And connecting a physical act (e.g., touching your fingers in sequence) with a cognitive act (e.g., speaking or thinking the primal "ah-sound" syllables) is associated with centering and focus.

Also great for calming the nerves before a big presentation or meeting!

This is great! Thank you!

ColeyCannoli

this week has been terrible for me!! stress-induced nibbling on candy during the day and going through drive-thrus w/ no time for proper meal preparation!! UGH

I feel ya. I've been terrible this week too >_<

fmouco

Coley, if I were you I would throw the cookies at the trash can (or th in-sink erator, the one you prefer). It is ok to wish to chew something, but not cookies. Try fruits, protein bars, low-fat cheese (ok, ok , don't hate me, I know, compared to cookies, fruit are a truly boring alternative).

If it is impossible, what about a sugar free chewing gum ? (I'm not the biggest fan of this alternative, but what the hell !?)

Just do not give up!!!!

ColeyCannoli

Thank you!! Don't worry, I don't hate ya for keeping me accountable