Stressed spelled backwards

My number one first reaction to stress is to reach for the sweets. I mean, I'm half-way into a half-gallon of ice cream before I know I've even begun. And the thing is, it works. I always feel better when I'm eating sweets (maybe for you it is chips; fill in the blank). It's true: sweets really are like my very own Balm of Gilead. The problem is, the effect is temporary. Still for that minute, I really do feel better: a whole lot better. My heart rate slows down. My worries flit out of my mind, and I feel myself relax. And for just a little bit, as the ice creams melts in my mouth and slides down my throat, the stress is melted too.

Until it comes back.

When it comes back though, it looks different than it did before. Now it looks more like disappointment, loss of control, failure. Now, instead of saying, "Whoa, this is really an aggravating situation," I find myself saying, "Whoa, you are a really bad person." The stress turns to self-loathing and the original problem remains.

So what can I do about this? How can I stop myself from turning to my drug of choice? Well, for one thing, I can do just that. I can stop. Stop and think. And that's what it takes to change a bad habit. Awareness.

Once I stop, then I have some choices to make. What might actually reduce my stress instead of making it (in the long run) worse?

Eating right makes me feel good over time, but it doesn't always have immediate results. Plus, eating to handle stress is still eating to handle stress, no matter what the menu happens to be. So what are my other options?

Exercise makes me feel good over time and it usually has fairly immediate results. But sometimes I can't just stop what I'm doing and go to a fitness class. I can usually take a short walk though. So that's a possibility.

Calling a friend reduces stress for me almost always and usually instantly. So, depending on the circumstances and the time of day, I could probably call a friend to help me through the rough spot.

Deep breathing is good. That I can do anywhere and anytime with immediate results.

And if I'm home, I have two furry people I can spend time with. My beagle (my heartbeat) reduces stress for me all the time. Just looking at him makes me smile, making my burdens easier to bear. And our guinea pig is another joy bringer. I could take her out of her condo-cage and give her some QT for all the cuteness she brings to us. The furry ones are real relaxers for me. Plus, I'm not putting food in my mouth when I'm lovin' up on my pets.

Do you use food inappropriately like I do? We've got to stop that. It's not okay at all. Food is a gift that strengthens and nourishes our bodies and offers us great pleasure. But it is not a drug. It should not be used as a sedative. It's not a pacifier and we aren't children. We can think of ways to alleviate our stress without using food. I know we can. What do you do? Leave a comment and let me know.

Using food appropriately. That's just one more way that I can begin to decrease.
Aileen