Managing Anger Eating

seguess

I have been dealing with a mean spirited, belligerent bully on a project for the past 6 months. Periodically I've dealt with my anger by eating bad stuff, and a lot of it. Last week I was able to get her booted off the project, but today she caused problems for my team again. I was so angry when I got home that I ate an entire frozen pizza. The whole thing.

People who really, really p*ss me off are triggers for me to eat emotionally. I can handle the everyday, routine annoyances, but when someone makes my blood boil, I go to town. My head knows that stuffing my face doesn't impact the person who I'm angry with, but my heart doesn't register the self-punishment. I'll eat anything that's bad for me.

So, does anyone else out there deal with eating while p*ssed off? It's not always practical for me to go kickboxing to take out my frustrations. I'm very angry right now--still. But I am posting this topic instead of eating chips. A small victory, I guess.

Goingnuts2

Yes, that is a victory. Posting this topic will relieve the tension - just getting it out there. I've been in your shoes and what I do to overcome it is to take a brisk walk and try to FOCUS on your breathing. I've done this at work on my break and when things piss me off at home I'll walk in my neighborhood. It calms me down and I start thinking clearly.

You have another small victory that you should remember, she is no longer a team member on your project. Sure she caused problems (and trust me management will notice), but are you going to let her get the best of you and your team?

cloud2011

This doesn't have to do with the eating part, but the anger part: I once read that if someone or something is making you mad/upset/whatever, then tell 3 people and be done with it.

That way, you get your story out of your system, but you don't allow it to overwhelm you.

I don't know if that helps or not, but sometimes it helps me.

deez2015

I am exactly the same way! I havent' found a "cure" but venting does help. Don't give them the power to destroy your goals! Use that anger to "get revenge" by staying on track

cinsuccess

Venting definitely helps. I also try to channel that energy into a workout. That's agreat time to do some boxing type moves. Even if you don't have access to a gym or boxing stuff. You can punch the air (jab, uppercut, crossing, elbows) or if there's someone I can workout with, I'll have them hold an overstuffed couch cushion for me as a target... then we switch and I do the same for her.

Imagining that person as I'm punching definitely relieves my anger and gives me an extra hard burn.