When Food Is Used To Handle Stress

There are so many things that are changing in our world today, but your waistline does not have to be one of them. Many people are making comments out of humor about the “covid-19,” but sadly, it is a real concern as people are using food to comfort the stress they are feeling.

Change and crisis often provoke anxiety, fear and stress in people. Anxiety or discomfort can cause us to seek out maladaptive wants as an attempt to make ourselves feel better. Some people in the world may turn to alcohol or drugs, but there are others who turn to food. They can overindulge or restrict as a way to control their emotions.

In this chaotic time, it is important that we work on continuing to manage our physical and mental health appropriately. We need to make certain that we are maintaining healthy food habits as well as healthy physical habits. The best way to ensure that we are doing both of these is to maintain a schedule for eating as well as physical activity. This will prevent “eating all the time” and also “not eating at all” which people experiencing stress can be faced with. There are two models that nutritionists have used for many years. One model is eating six small meals per day, and the other is eating three healthy well-balanced meals per day.

If you are feeling stressed or anxious, the last place that you should go to is the kitchen or pantry because this could cause you to seek food as a comfort. A better option may be to do physical activity such as going for a short walk or jog, ride your bike or locate an at-home workout. You can also take time to meditate or pray, take a break from your work and read something positive or comforting, listen to music or a podcast. Activities such as these would be great ways to help refocus and work to remain more calm so that you are not seeking food to comfort the stress you are feeling.

It is important that we are not always going for “comfort food.” I am guilty of this just like most people. The high calorie, high fat and even high carb foods can taste so very comforting. However, the fact that we are being less active these days due to the restrictions that are in place is the main reason we need to work on trying to limit the “junk food” and to work on trying to maintain healthy options such as fruits and vegetables.

It has been noted that rather than snacking on the couch or in your office, it is best to consume meals at the table. This keeps your meals a bit more formal and thought out. Eating on the couch or snacking can lead to poor eating habits and excessive weight gain.

It is also important to make certain that you are drinking plenty of water. It is easy to go into your refrigerator and access juices, sodas and even sports drinks more readily than you could if you were at work. Water is necessary to help the body remain healthy.

These times are hard, but we do not need to complicate or cause more burden by not taking care of our body. If the anxiety is becoming more than you can manage please feel free to reach out to a friend or to a professional, we are all in this together and are all willing to help you be the best you.

CARRIE NICKLES, LPC, IS A FORMER COUNSELOR WITH OZARK GUIDANCE AND IS WITH PRAIRIE GROVE HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER. CONTACT HER AT CARRIE.NICKLES@ GMAIL.COM.