So, one of the reasons I’m fat is that I use eating to quell tension. I’m looking for other methods to substitute for this. The problem is, food is so damned convenient and ubiquitous, it’s hard for me to think of alternatives in many situations. For instance, having had a hell of a morning, and facing a half hour drive home with a non-linear toddler, I could think of one saving grace: the Wendy’s drive through. I do exercise regularly, but obviously in situations like the one above, that doesn’t offer any immediate relief.
Please, give me some ideas for stress relief other than stuffing my face!
I posted an OP similar to this one a while back when I was particularly stressed. Someone suggested colouring pictures, and as strange as it sounds, it worked wonders for me. You can find all sorts of neat pictures to print out on the internet. Just buy some crayons or felts and turn yourself loose. It’s repetitive, but creative, and feels strangely meditative. Give it a try!
When I get tense I get the urge to eat too. Mostly I like things that are crunchy or chewy (yep, I’m a teeth-grinder, too!). I’d say something about wanting to put things in my mouth, but that’s just asking for trouble…
I switched to gum, since I figured it’d be easier to replace the habit than break it entirely. Plus I’m a nervous-habit type of person, and I need something to fidget with.
Unfortunately, I don’t know much about how to relieve the actual stress, either. x.x
I like the idea of coloring! Actually yesterday we were waiting at the doctor’s office, which is usually pretty stressful, and she wanted me to color with her, and it was very calming.
Unfortunately, going for a walk with Chloe (21 months) is often a source of stress, rather than the reverse, but I’ll try to keep it in mind as an option.
We do have They Might Be Giants’s *No!, * so maybe I’ll make a tape for the car.
IANAM, but maybe if you let her set the agenda, it will be less frustrating. A friend of mine has a puppy, and when we want to do a good stretch-your-legs-cover-some-ground walk, the puppy ain’t the right companion. OTOH, when the point is to go out, look around, see what’s new, check out plants, and rocks, and other dogs, and people, and birds, and squirrels, and puddles, and anything else we might encounter – the puppy is delightful company. It’s good to slow down and just let the experience be what it is from time to time.
Not that your darling daughter is in any way comparable to a four-month-old puppy.
Or any good martial arts program. Man, 5 minutes beating the snot (figuratively) out of the heavy bag while visualizing whomever chapped my ass during the day just makes me feel like a brand new human being.
